BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. Visit of the
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, to the
United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 2 opens a new stage of
strategic partnership, the political analyst Azer Garayev told
Trend.
According to him, the visit is of significant political and
economic importance in terms of deepening the strategic partnership
and is considered a logical continuation of the relations between
Azerbaijan and the UAE, which have been developing on an upward
trajectory in recent years.
"During President Ilham Aliyev's meetings with the President of
the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Abu Dhabi, the
parties discussed issues of intensifying political dialogue,
expanding economic cooperation, energy security, investment
climate, and regional stability. President Ilham Aliyev's visit was
also in line with Azerbaijan's strategy to strengthen relations
with the countries of the Middle East and consolidate its position
as a reliable partner in the Gulf region," he explained.
Garayev stated that the documents signed during the visit
attracted particular attention.
"With the participation of the Presidents of Azerbaijan and the
UAE, a document was signed on the sale of a certain part of the
non-controlling stake owned by the Ministry of Economy in the
Southern Gas Corridor CJSC to XRG Company, the investment arm of
the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. This agreement not only
demonstrates the growing interest of international investors in the
Azerbaijani energy sector but also further strengthens the
financial sustainability of a strategic project such as the
Southern Gas Corridor. At the same time, this step strengthens
Azerbaijan's leading role in projects that contribute to Europe's
energy security," he noted.
The analyst emphasized that President Ilham Aliyev's visit was
significant not only in terms of economic, but also in terms of the
development of cooperation in the security and defense sectors.
"During the visit, a letter of intent on defense cooperation was
signed between the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan and the
Ministry of Defense of the UAE. This document opens up new
opportunities for expanding relations between the two countries in
the areas of military cooperation, defense industry, and exchange
of experience.
In general, this visit demonstrates that Azerbaijani-UAE
relations have reached a new stage, and cooperation based on trust
and mutual interests between the parties has further strengthened.
President Ilham Aliyev's visit is considered an important
diplomatic step that strengthens Azerbaijan's position as a
reliable partner on a regional and global scale," Garayev
concluded.
