President Ilham Aliyev received a delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) led by the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed bin Mubarak Al-Hajeri, in Gabala on April 28.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that President Ilham Aliyev highlighted the successful development of bilateral relations across all sectors based on a strategic partnership. The head of state emphasized his close friendship with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, noting that mutual visits, including the UAE leader's visit to Azerbaijan and the Garabagh region, have played a pivotal role in expanding ties.
Minister Al-Hajeri conveyed the greetings of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the Azerbaijani leader. He congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on being awarded the "Guernica Prize for Peace and Reconciliation" for his leadership in advancing the peace agenda in the South Caucasus and his efforts toward achieving a peace agreement with Armenia. In response, President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude and recalled his own receipt of the "Zayed Award for Human Fraternity," which honors the humanitarian legacy of the UAE's founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The meeting included an extensive exchange of views on the bilateral agenda, covering cooperation in politics, trade, economy, and energy, with a particular focus on renewable energy projects. The sides also discussed the activities of the joint investment fund and joint military exercises. Furthermore, the parties touched upon the situation in the Middle East, underscoring the necessity of resolving regional issues through diplomatic channels.
Relations between Azerbaijan and the UAE have intensified significantly in recent years, particularly in the green energy sector. The UAE's Masdar company is a key partner in Azerbaijan's transition to sustainable energy, contributing to major projects in the liberated territories. This cooperation aligns with Azerbaijan's national strategy to transform Garabagh and East Zangezur into "net-zero emission" zones.
