President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met in Abu Dhabi with President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
During the talks, it was emphasized that bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and the UAE are based on a strategic partnership. Satisfaction was expressed with the development of cooperation between the two countries across all areas, including political, economic, and energy cooperation—also encompassing renewable energy—as well as cultural, humanitarian, and other fields. The importance of mutual visits by both presidents to Azerbaijan and the UAE, and of their meetings for expanding bilateral ties, was underscored.
The meeting also addressed the significance of the joint operational-tactical military exercises “Shield of Peace – 2026”, being held in Abu Dhabi by the armed forces of Azerbaijan and the United Arab Emirates. Confidence was expressed that these exercises would contribute to the development of operational military interoperability between the armed forces of the two countries, and the importance of continuing them in the future was highlighted.
The heads of state exchanged views on the prospects for bilateral relations and future contacts.
Subsequently, in the presence of the presidents of Azerbaijan and the UAE, a document was signed regarding a purchase and sale agreement related to the sale to XRG, the investment arm of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, of a certain portion of the non-controlling stake held by the Ministry of Economy in the Closed Joint-Stock Company Southern Gas Corridor.
It was also noted that, within the framework of the visit, a letter of intent was signed on a cooperation agreement in the defense sphere between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Defense of the United Arab Emirates.
The presidents of Azerbaijan and the UAE expressed confidence that these documents would give new impetus to the further development of relations between the two countries.
During the talks, issues related to establishing sister-city relations between Baku and Abu Dhabi were also discussed.
