UAE’s Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Visits Azerbaijan, Strengthening Ties

Baku, Azerbaijan — Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, recently concluded an official visit to Azerbaijan, marking a significant milestone in the relationship between the two nations.

The one-day visit included a reception organized by the Azerbaijani government and showcased the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the South Caucasus. The visit included significant activities in the Karabakh region, emphasizing Azerbaijan’s restored territorial integrity.

During the visit, Sheikh Mohamed highlighted the UAE’s interest in economic partnerships, noting that over the past few years, it has become the largest Arab investor in Azerbaijan, with investments surpassing $1 billion. In 2024 alone, $356 million was invested in Azerbaijan within the first nine months.

Trade figures between the two countries have also surged, with non-oil trade increasing by 43 percent to reach $2.24 billion in 2024. This demonstrates a growing cooperation that plays a crucial role in Azerbaijan’s non-oil economic growth.

The discussions addressed new areas of energy collaboration, shifting focus from traditional oil and gas to renewable energy initiatives. Notably, UAE energy company ADNOC has acquired a stake in the Absheron project, with SOCAR also involved in the UAE’s SARB and Umm Lulu fields.

Joint renewable energy projects are becoming increasingly prominent, with Masdar and SOCAR launching large-scale solar and wind projects expected to significantly contribute to Azerbaijan’s energy transition goals.

The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement signed during the visit is anticipated to unlock further investment opportunities, particularly in Azerbaijan’s energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and technology sectors.

This partnership allows Azerbaijan to diversify its economy by exploring new industries while positioning itself as a vital transit hub between Europe and the Middle East.

The humanitarian efforts discussed also play a key role in strengthening relations, with UAE support directed towards demining and infrastructure development in recently liberated territories.

The personal rapport between President Ilham Aliyev and Sheikh Mohamed was highlighted as a cornerstone of their diplomatic ties, indicating a shared understanding of regional political dynamics.

The visit underscores a commitment to long-term cooperation that is expected to shape the future of Azerbaijan-UAE relations.