UAE Customs Explores Enhanced Cooperation with Guatemala

UAE Customs held discussions with the Embassy of the Republic of Guatemala in the United Arab Emirates on avenues for strengthening customs cooperation between the UAE and Guatemala. The discussions also covered the necessary coordination regarding the Agreement on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters between the two countries, which aims to strengthen cooperation and mutual assistance between their customs authorities. In addition, both sides discussed arrangements for concluding a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, with the objective of facilitating trade and enhancing cooperation between the two customs administrations.

The discussions took place during a meeting between His Excellency Ahmed Abdullah Bin Lahej Al Falasi, Acting Director General of Customs and Ports Security at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, and His Excellency Jorge Rafael Archila Ruiz, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Guatemala to the United Arab Emirates. The meeting was held on Thursday, 23 July 2026, at the headquarters of the General Directorate of Customs and Ports Security in Dubai, in the presence of several officials from both sides.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the bilateral relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Guatemala and discussed supporting trade flows and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The meeting also served as an initial step toward exploring future frameworks and initiatives that would further strengthen the existing customs and economic relations between the two countries.