The Government of the Republic of Vanuatu proudly inaugurated its Consulate General in Dubai, marking the establishment of Vanuatu’s first diplomatic presence in the Gulf region.
The opening ceremony was officiated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade, the Hon. Marc Ati, who declared:
“The Consulate General in Dubai represents a deliberate and strategic decision by Vanuatu to be present, to be actively engaged, and to position our country meaningfully in one of the world’s most dynamic economic and innovation centers.”
Minister Ati reaffirmed the strong and growing partnership between Vanuatu and the United Arab Emirates, highlighting longstanding and expanding cooperation in areas of critical importance to small island developing states, including:
· Climate change resilience and adaptation
· Renewable energy development and clean energy transition
· Sustainable development support and capacity building
The Minister expressed deep appreciation to the Government of the United Arab Emirates, and to the authorities in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, for their generous assistance and forward-looking support throughout the process of establishing the Consulate.
Strategically located in one of the world’s premier commercial and financial hubs, the Consulate General in Dubai will serve as a vital platform to:
· Deliver high-quality consular and passport services to ni-Vanuatu citizens, residents and visitors in the UAE and across the wider Gulf region
· Strengthen cultural, community and people-to-people connections
· Actively promote trade, tourism, investment and economic partnerships between Vanuatu and the United Arab Emirates
Minister Ati called on all ni-Vanuatu living, working or studying in the United Arab Emirates to register with the Consulate General, emphasizing that registration enables the provision of timely consular assistance, emergency support and continued connection to Vanuatu.
The Minister also paid special tribute to Consul General Andrew Leon and his team for their dedication, professionalism and tireless efforts towards the establishment of the mission. The inauguration ceremony concluded with the traditional ribbon-cutting, formally declaring the Vanuatu Consulate General in Dubai open and fully operational.
