During GITEX Global 2024, one of the world’s most prominent technology events, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Uruguay took a significant step in their bilateral relationship by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on cybersecurity. The agreement was formalized by H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE, and by Dr. Álvaro Ceriani Moreira, the Ambassador of Uruguay to the UAE.
This MoU, signed between the UAE Cybersecurity Council and Uruguayan Authorities, aims to enhance cooperation in critical areas such as digital infrastructure protection, combating cyber threats, and promoting secure practices in the digital domain. Notably, this agreement represents a unique achievement in the region, as no other countries in Latin America have reached this milestone in cybersecurity cooperation.
A Key Agreement in Times of Digital Transformation
With the rapid digitalization of key sectors such as finance and government, cybersecurity has become a top priority for both nations. The UAE, recognized as a regional leader in digital security, seeks to expand its international cooperation network to tackle global cybersecurity challenges. Uruguay, meanwhile, is advancing its digital economy and strengthening the protection of its critical systems.
GITEX: The Ideal Platform for Strategic Alliances
GITEX Global, held in Dubai, provided the perfect stage for the signing of this agreement due to its relevance as a global platform for innovation and emerging technologies. The participation of world leaders in technology and cybersecurity allowed both nations to highlight the importance of proactive collaboration to anticipate and mitigate future cyber risks.
Following the signing, Ambassador Álvaro Ceriani Moreira was asked several questions exclusive to LatinGulf.ae magazine regarding the MoU:
What specific objectives does Uruguay aim to achieve with the signing of this MoU in cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity has only recently become a focal point on the global agenda, aiming to prevent all kinds of cyberattacks. Security risks in this area were not as apparent, but there has been a significant increase in attacks against both governments and individuals, impacting everything from computer systems to bank accounts and electronic payment methods. It is essential to note that nearly everything today is controlled by computer systems, from traffic lights to power plants and official government communication channels, to name a few examples.
Furthermore, post-COVID-19, many operations that were not previously conducted online have transitioned to digital platforms. While the world has made strides in this regard, it has also become more exposed to potential cyberattacks.
Therefore, Uruguay, through the Agency for Electronic Government and the Information and Knowledge Society (AGESIC), seeks cooperation with other states, specifically in this case with the UAE Cybersecurity Council, to combat all types of cyberattacks and exchange information, experiences, and “know-how” regarding risks and threats to information security.
What immediate benefits does Uruguay expect from this cybersecurity agreement?
The immediate and medium-term benefits would be to protect against incidents of cyberattacks and their corresponding damages to all services and operations conducted by the government, as well as to citizens and residents of Uruguay. This aims to prevent the entire population from suffering the repercussions of malware spreading through public and private services.This would be achieved through the exchange of information via technical workshops, conferences, educational visits, training sessions, and missions of experts, along with joint working groups in the field of cybersecurity.
It is essential to note that nearly everything today is controlled by computer systems, from traffic lights to power plants and official government communication channels, to name a few examples.
Which specific sectors of the Uruguayan government could benefit most from this cybersecurity collaboration with the UAE?
As mentioned before, nearly all areas or sectors of the government currently have computer support. Communications, public service, forms to fill out, banking systems—almost everything has some software application; therefore, a cyberattack could cause damage or malfunction in any governmental or non-governmental area, leading to detriment for the people of Uruguay. Regarding the recently signed MoU with the UAE, both shared experiences and applied technical knowledge will contribute to protecting the computer systems of both countries from attacks by 21st-century hackers.
Looking Ahead: Deeper Cooperation
Through this agreement, both countries are committed to jointly working on initiatives such as training, policy development, and the creation of global cybersecurity standards. This collaboration is expected to not only strengthen both governments’ ability to protect their critical infrastructures but also to foster the exchange of experiences and innovative solutions to combat the growing cyber threats.
The signing of the MoU reflects the UAE’s strategic approach to expanding its global network of allies in the fight for a safer cyberspace. For Uruguay, this alliance represents a significant step toward bolstering its national security in the digital realm.
This MoU marks the beginning of what promises to be a long-lasting and fruitful relationship between the UAE and Uruguay in the field of cybersecurity, a domain that will continue to grow in importance as the world moves toward greater connectivity and digitalization.
(C) Latin&Gulf.ae Magazine
