Abu Dhabi |WAM |

                 The governments of the UAE and Cuba have decided to establish diplomatic ties at ambassadors
                  level from yesterday.

                  A statement issued yesterday both in Abu Dhabi and Havana, said that the decision of
                  establishing diplomatic relations came as part of the two countries' joint keen desire to
                  enhance cooperation.

                  Following a joint statement he signed with the Cuban ambassador in Cairo, UAE Ambassador to
                  Egypt Ahmed Ali Al Mayl Al Za'abi, said that the agreement came within the framework of the
                  UAE's desire to strengthen friendly ties with Cuba.

                  He added that such step was also in line with the directives of President His Highness Sheikh
                  Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.