UAE REVIEW OF LIBERTAD ACT

C O N F I D E N T I A L ABU DHABI 001954 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/ARP AND WHA/CCA E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/14/2017 TAGS: ETRD ETTC PREL CU AE SUBJECT: UAE REVIEW OF LIBERTAD ACT REF: A. STATE 158768 ¶B. ABU DHABI 839 Classified By: Ambassador Michele J. Sison, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (SBU) The UAE maintains diplomatic relations with Cuba, but neither country has an embassy present in the other country. The Cuban Embassy in Cairo handles diplomatic communications and -- according to the UAE MFA -- the UAE Ambassador in Brazil is accredited to Cuba. ¶2. (C) Embassy responses to ref a questions follow. -- What is the nature of UAE investments in Cuba? Post has been unable to find any information on UAE investments in Cuba to date. There are press reports that DP World (The former Dubai Ports World) has commissioned a feasibility study to invest USD 250 million into converting the port of Mariel into a modern container facility. On November 30, DP World CEO Mohammed Sharaf told CG that the press reports were inaccurate. DP World has not done a feasibility study and is not engaging in direct negotiations with the Cubans. It is fair to say that DP World is interested and is looking at the site, but has told us that they are "waiting until the time is right." -- Are there bilateral trade agreements between the UAE and Cuba? There are no bilateral trade agreements to date. -- Are there any exchange programs between UAE and Cuba? Post has been unable to find any evidence of exchange programs. -- Has the UAE worked to promote the advancement of human rights and democracy in Cuba? There is no evidence to date of UAE actions to promote human rights or democracy in Cuba. -- Have there been any high level diplomatic visits between Cuba and the UAE in the last six months? We are not aware of any high level visits. SISON