UAE President Sheikh Mohamed held talks with Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev during an official visit on Tuesday, as the two countries announced a comprehensive strategic partnership aimed at advancing ties.
The leaders were present as deals were struck to boost partnerships in key sectors such as transport, energy and tourism, workforce development and ship building, while the UAE-Azerbaijan Business Council was also established.
The two nations set out plans to work together on investment opportunities in renewable and clean energy. They will also co-operate to develop an artificial intelligence strategy for Azerbaijan, under which the technology will be integrated into education.
An agreement was also reached between Abu Dhabi Holding Company and Azerbaijan Investment Holding to strengthen collaboration. The two organisations launched a joint investment platform in December 2023 to pursue projects in fields from agriculture and pharmaceuticals to technology and energy infrastructure.
The agreements were exchanged between Saeed Al Hajeri, Minister of State, and Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov.
Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Aliyev also pledged to bolster links in sectors such as the economy, investment, food security and renewable energy during discussions held in the Karabakh region.
Sheikh Mohamed met Mr Aliyev in Abu Dhabi in July, during which the countries agreed on a major trade deal aimed at spurring economic growth. Sheikh Mohamed described the agreement as "a significant milestone in UAE-Azerbaijan relations" at the time.
The Azerbaijani leader also held talks in the UAE capital with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Their meeting was aimed at advancing peace efforts between the countries after decades of conflict.
Mr Aliyev and Mr Pashinyan went on to sign a peace pact in the presence of US President Donald Trump at the White House.
On Tuesday, Sheikh Mohamed called for "continued positive progress" in the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Sheikh Mohamed had earlier been greeted by Mr Aliyev at Fuzuli International Airport, in the Karabakh region.
The two leaders travelled to the city of Shusha for an official reception. Sheikh Mohamed's high-level delegation includes Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad, Adviser to the UAE President, as well as government ministers and senior officials.
Cultural connections
Sheikh Mohamed was given a chance to sample the Karabakh region's rich culture and tradition on a scenic tour with the Azerbaijani leader.
The two men visited Shusha Fortress, which dates back to the 1750s and is regarded as a historic symbol of the country, and the landmark Shusha Mosque.
Sheikh Mohamed also visited the Jidir Duzu Plain, a popular nature spot and tourist attraction which plays host to horse racing and equestrian exhibitions.
The UAE leader also toured monuments celebrating prominent prominent Azerbaijani figures in the fields of literature and the arts, and also paid a visit to the Shusha branch of the National Carpet Museum of Azerbaijan.
Sheikh Mohamed later departed Karabakh to conclude his official visit. Mr Aliyev said farewell to Sheikh Mohamed and his accompanying delegation at Fuzuli International Airport.
