ISTANBUL

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met Wednesday with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, where they signed a comprehensive economic agreement and discussed deepening ties, according to the Azerbaijani state-run Azertac news agency.

The presidents emphasized that Azerbaijan-UAE relations are based on “friendship and brotherhood” and are “of a strategic partnership nature,” highlighting strong political alignment and expanding trade cooperation.

They noted with "satisfaction" their reciprocal visits earlier this year, describing the high-level talks as productive across several fields.

The meeting underlined successful collaboration in energy, particularly renewable energy, noting joint projects involving Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR, the UAE’s ADNOC, and renewable energy firm Masdar.

Aliyev and Al Nahyan also appreciated the UAE’s high-level participation in the Economic Cooperation Organization Summit in Khankendi, underscoring its symbolic importance.

The two countries finalized the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which was signed in their presence.

Aliyev presented a commemorative gift to his Emirati counterpart at the end of the meeting.