President Ilham Aliyev and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Hold Expanded Talks in Shusha
Shusha, The Gulf Observer: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on Monday held an expanded meeting with President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the city of Shusha.
Welcoming his counterpart, President Aliyev described the visit as a historic occasion, underscoring that it would give new impetus to the friendly and brotherly relations between Azerbaijan and the UAE. He noted that the meeting was of particular significance as it took place in Karabakh, on the lands liberated from occupation.
President Aliyev highlighted the signing of numerous documents during the visit, including the Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which he said elevated bilateral political relations to the highest level. He also praised the UAE’s role in Azerbaijan’s renewable energy sector, noting that Emirati companies are strategic partners and key investors in the country’s first solar power plant.
“Our cooperation in the oil and gas sector is deepening, and transport projects have great potential. The composition of our delegations itself demonstrates how multifaceted and productive our relations are,” President Aliyev emphasized.
For his part, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and emphasized the growing strength of bilateral relations. He recalled that this was the third meeting between the two leaders this year, following their productive talks in Abu Dhabi in July.
The UAE President noted that trade turnover between the two countries, particularly in the non-oil sector, had reached $2.24 billion in 2024, with the Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation signed in July providing further momentum to bilateral economic ties.
He underlined his country’s keen interest in expanding cooperation in renewable energy, development, food security, culture, and other strategic fields, stressing that cultural exchange serves as an important bridge between peoples.
Highlighting the UAE’s commitment to peace and stability in the South Caucasus, Sheikh Mohamed reaffirmed his country’s readiness to support efforts towards a peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
In closing, he extended his best wishes for continued peace and prosperity to Azerbaijan and its people, thanking President Aliyev for his hospitality.
