Azerbaijan, UAE Presidents Reaffirm Strategic Partnership in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on February 2 in Abu Dhabi, reaffirming that Azerbaijan–UAE relations are grounded in a strategic partnership.
During the meeting, the two leaders welcomed the steady development of cooperation across a wide range of fields, including political, economic, energy—particularly renewable energy—cultural, humanitarian and other areas. They emphasized the importance of reciprocal visits and regular high-level meetings in further strengthening bilateral ties.
The discussion also highlighted the significance of the “Peace Shield – 2026” joint operational-tactical exercise being held in Abu Dhabi by the armed forces of Azerbaijan and the UAE. Both presidents expressed confidence that such exercises contribute to enhancing operational military interoperability between the two countries and underscored the importance of continuing them in the future.
The heads of state exchanged views on the prospects for bilateral relations and future contacts, expressing satisfaction with the current level of cooperation.
In the presence of the two presidents, a document was signed regarding the sale of a portion of the non-controlling stake held by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Economy in Southern Gas Corridor CJSC to XRG, the international investment arm of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).
As part of the visit, a Letter of Intent on defense cooperation was also signed between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Defense of the United Arab Emirates.
Presidents Aliyev and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed expressed confidence that the signed agreements would give new impetus to the development of bilateral relations.
The meeting also touched upon the possibility of establishing twinning relations between the cities of Baku and Abu Dhabi.
