President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the UAE arrived Tuesday in Azerbaijan’s Karabakh region on an official visit, marking a significant moment in UAE-Azerbaijan bilateral relations. The visit began with Sheikh Mohamed landing at Fuzuli International Airport, where he was received by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and senior government officials. The UAE President was accorded an official welcome ceremony upon arrival, including military honors and the national anthems of both nations. He reviewed a guard of honor before departing for a series of engagements in the region.
This is Sheikh Mohamed’s first visit to Karabakh, a territory that has undergone rapid redevelopment since the 2020 conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Sheikh Mohamed was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President, and several ministers and senior officials. The delegation’s composition reflects the high-level nature of the diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
During the visit, President Aliyev briefed Sheikh Mohamed on the reconstruction and infrastructure projects underway in the region. Particular focus was given to three newly built airports in Fuzuli, Zangilan, and Lachin, all of which are part of Azerbaijan’s strategy to increase accessibility and connectivity in areas reclaimed during the 2020 war. Fuzuli International Airport, where the UAE delegation arrived, was inaugurated in 2021 and has since become a logistical hub for reconstruction efforts.
Bilateral discussions held on trade and investment
Following the airport briefing, the two leaders traveled to the city of Shusha, where further formal ceremonies took place. Shusha holds cultural and historical significance for Azerbaijan and has been a focal point of redevelopment initiatives. Officials from both countries toured restoration sites and reviewed progress on regional infrastructure development. The visit comes amid a steady strengthening of UAE-Azerbaijan relations across economic, political, and investment sectors. In recent months, both countries have exchanged multiple official delegations and signed agreements focused on trade, energy, and technology.
According to Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Economy, bilateral trade between the UAE and Azerbaijan increased by more than 30 percent in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year. The UAE has also invested in various infrastructure and energy projects in Azerbaijan, particularly in renewable energy. Masdar, the Abu Dhabi-based clean energy company, signed several agreements earlier this year to develop solar and wind energy facilities in Azerbaijan with a combined capacity exceeding 1 gigawatt.
Infrastructure ties strengthen diplomatic relations
These projects are part of Azerbaijan’s national plan to diversify its energy mix and reduce carbon emissions by 40 percent by 2050. Tuesday’s visit is expected to reinforce existing cooperation frameworks between the UAE and Azerbaijan, with both governments emphasizing their commitment to long-term strategic ties. Official meetings are scheduled to continue in Baku, where bilateral discussions are expected to focus on regional connectivity, trade facilitation, and technical cooperation.
Sheikh Mohamed’s visit underscores the growing international engagement in the South Caucasus region, particularly among nations investing in infrastructure and energy. The UAE has positioned itself as a key partner for countries in Central Asia and the Caucasus seeking economic diversification and modernization. The Azerbaijani government declared the visit a milestone in diplomatic relations, with preparations carried out in coordination with both nations’ foreign ministries. Further joint statements and agreements are expected to be announced upon the conclusion of the visit. – By Content Syndication Services.