UAE holds high-level bilateral meetings in Washington to strengthen global financial partnerships, reinforce role in supporting international financial stability

• Discussing ways to expand investment promotion and protection agreements, and double taxation avoidance frameworks with global partners
• Exploring avenues for financial and tax cooperation with key international counterparts

Washington, April 16, 2026

His Excellency Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, held a series of bilateral meetings with finance ministers and senior international officials on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund, where he is leading the UAE delegation.

The meetings, which took place in the US capital, included counterparts from the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Argentina, Switzerland, and Norway. The gatherings discussed ways to expand avenues for financial cooperation as well as key fiscal and taxation issues of mutual interest.

United States

During his meeting with H.E. Scott Bessent, US Secretary of the Treasury, Al Hussaini explored prospects for strengthening strategic cooperation between the two countries across financial and economic sectors, in the presence of His Excellency Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE).

Al Hussaini commended the United States’ leadership of the finance track of the G20 this year, and expressed the UAE’s appreciation for the invitation to participate as a guest country in the group’s finance track. He noted that the invitation reflects the depth of the bilateral partnership and the growing international recognition of the UAE’s expanding financial and economic role.

He added that the meeting with the US Treasury Secretary provided an important platform to align perspectives on current financial priorities and to explore innovative solutions that support the stability of the regional financial system.

France

In a bilateral meeting with His Excellency Roland Lescure, France’s Minister for the Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, Al Hussaini discussed the financial partnership between the two countries, underpinned by a solid framework of governing agreements. The two sides also explored ways to elevate cooperation and expand the exchange of expertise across key financial sectors.

United Kingdom

Al Hussaini also held a meeting with H.E. Rachel Reeves, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, where discussions focused on enhancing bilateral financial cooperation and reviewing the strategic partnership between the two countries across areas of shared financial interest.

Both sides stressed the importance of sustained coordination and the exchange of views on global financial issues to support mutual interests and reinforce the strong ties between the UAE and the United Kingdom.

Canada

During his meeting with His Excellency François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue of Canada, Al Hussaini discussed areas of mutual financial cooperation, highlighting the importance of aligning efforts to further develop frameworks that serve shared interests between the two countries.

Both sides emphasised the need to strengthen bilateral channels of collaboration to support financial sustainability and expand opportunities that contribute to sustained economic prosperity for both nations.

Argentina

His Excellency Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini also met with His Excellency Luis Caputo, Argentina's Minister of Finance, where both sides highlighted the positive momentum in bilateral relations, particularly following the entry into force of the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement in November 2024. The agreement provides  a robust framework underpinning a secure and sustainable investment environment.

The meeting explored avenues to expand financial and economic cooperation, with both sides reaffirming the importance of the existing Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement in establishing clear tax frameworks and safeguarding investment flows, thereby supporting joint economic growth and opening new channels of collaboration between the business communities of both countries.

Switzerland

Al Hussaini also met with Her Excellency Daniela Stoffel, State Secretary for International Finance of the Swiss Confederation. Both sides praised the strength of bilateral financial relations, which are built on mutual trust and the integration of their financial systems.

They reaffirmed their commitment to further cementing the bilateral financial cooperation agenda, while enhancing regulatory coordination and strengthening institutional linkages.

Norway

During his meeting with His Excellency Jens Stoltenberg, Minister of Finance of Norway, Al Hussaini discussed ways to further develop the shared legal and institutional framework, supporting new avenues for financial partnership and fostering a business-conducive environment in both countries.

Both sides expressed their aspiration to bolster cooperation and exchange expertise across areas of mutual financial interest, reinforcing the strength of bilateral ties between the UAE and Norway.

These engagements fall under the framework of the UAE’s commitment to strengthening strategic linkages across global financial and economic centres. Through these intensive discussions, the UAE delegation continues to advance innovative cooperation frameworks that contribute to the stability of the global financial system.