President Aliyev hosts UAE delegation, notes fast-rising pace of cooperation PHOTO

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev received a high-level delegation led by Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, UAE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Gabala on April 28, in a meeting highlighting the growing strategic partnership between the two countries and expanding cooperation across key sectors.

During the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev emphasised that bilateral relations, grounded in strategic partnership, are developing successfully across all areas, and referred to his friendly ties with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Caliber.Az reports, citing the presidential website.

He recalled with satisfaction his visits to the United Arab Emirates, as well as Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visits to Azerbaijan, including to Karabakh, noting that discussions held during these trips played a significant role in broadening cooperation.

President Ilham Aliyev also highlighted that Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri’s visit with a large delegation reflects its importance for further deepening bilateral ties.

Expressing gratitude for the reception, Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri conveyed the greetings of UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the Azerbaijani head of state. President Ilham Aliyev thanked him for the greetings and asked that his own regards be extended in return.

The guest congratulated the Azerbaijani President on being awarded the “Gernika Award for Peace and Reconciliation” in recognition of his leadership in advancing the peace agenda in the South Caucasus and his efforts to promote dialogue and achieve peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed appreciation for the congratulations and recalled that he had been awarded the “Zayed Award for Human Fraternity,” which promotes the humanitarian legacy and values of the UAE’s founding father, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He asked that his gratitude once again be conveyed to the UAE President.

The sides noted the richness of the bilateral agenda and exchanged views on cooperation in political, economic, trade, and energy sectors, including renewable energy, the activities of a joint investment fund, joint military exercises, and other areas.

The discussion also touched upon the situation in the Middle East, with both sides emphasising the importance of resolving all regional issues through diplomatic means.

By Jeyhun Aghazada