Shusha, September 16, 2025
Azerbaijan rolled out the red carpet for the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during an official ceremony in the heart of Karabakh.
Flags of both nations lined the square in Shusha as President Ilham Aliyev welcomed his counterpart with a military honor guard. National anthems were played, the guard of honor marched past, and the two leaders greeted members of each other’s delegations before heading into talks.
A Day of Symbolism and Ceremony
The visit included a one-on-one meeting, an expanded delegation meeting, and a formal luncheon hosted by President Aliyev. Later in the day, the two leaders attended a showcase of Karabakh horses at Jidir Plain, where Aliyev presented Sheikh Mohamed with a prized horse named Ərgünəş.
Strategic Partnership
Speaking at the expanded talks, Aliyev stressed the depth of ties between the two countries:
“Our relations are built on brotherhood and friendship. The numerous agreements signed today will elevate our partnership to a new level,” he said, highlighting in particular the Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as a landmark.
Aliyev praised the UAE’s role as a key investor in Azerbaijan’s renewable energy sector, pointing to the Masdar solar plant and plans for multi-gigawatt projects. He also emphasized cooperation in oil and gas, transport, and digital development.
Sheikh Mohamed, in turn, underscored his country’s commitment to deepening ties:
“We are constantly seeking new opportunities for cooperation that benefit both sides and contribute to sustainable development,” he said, noting that non-oil trade between the two countries reached $2.24 billion in 2024.
The Emirati leader also placed strong emphasis on peace in the Caucasus, saying Abu Dhabi supports ongoing efforts toward a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Signing Ceremony
A wide-ranging package of agreements was exchanged in the presence of both leaders, covering energy, transport, artificial intelligence, education, labor cooperation, tourism, business councils, and shipbuilding. Among the most notable were:
The Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
MoUs on energy, transport, and AI cooperation.
Agreements on labor force exchange, tourism, media, and education.
A contract for container ship construction between Baku Shipyard and Abu Dhabi Ports.
A deal on investments in the Southern Gas Corridor.
Departure from Fuzuli
The visit concluded at Fuzuli International Airport, where a farewell ceremony with an honor guard was held. President Aliyev personally saw Sheikh Mohamed off, closing a day that signaled both political symbolism and practical expansion of ties.
