The business visit of Head of State Ilham Aliyev to the United Arab Emirates is widely commented on today in the country's and world's press. The mutual visits of the leaders of the two countries are noteworthy for their continuity. Thus, last year President Ilham Aliyev visited the United Arab Emirates three times. Within the framework of mutual cooperation, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan paid an official visit to our country in September of last year. Each visit is regarded as the beginning of a new page in relations. The general position on the issues brought up during the meetings held within the framework of Mr. Ilham Aliyev's visit on February 2, the identification of new priorities in cooperation and the presentation of potential opportunities, and the signed documents signaled the future development of relations. Partnership in the energy sector between Azerbaijan and the UAE is one of the priority areas. The “Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement” signed during President Ilham Aliyev's business visit to the United Arab Emirates in July of last year laid the foundation for a qualitatively new stage in bilateral economic relations. A number of important documents were also signed during Mr. Ilham Aliyev's current visit. With the participation of the Presidents of Azerbaijan and the UAE, a document on the sale and purchase agreement regarding the sale of a certain part of the non-controlling stake belonging to the Ministry of Economy in “Southern Gas Corridor” CJSC to XRG company, the investment arm of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, as well as a letter of intent on a defense cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Defense of the United Arab Emirates were signed. During President Ilham Aliyev's meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, it was once again emphasized that Azerbaijan-UAE bilateral relations are based on strategic partnership, and the development of cooperation between our countries in all areas, including political, economic, energy, as well as renewable energy, cultural, humanitarian and other directions, is gratifying. During the visit, the “Peace Shield-2026” joint operational-tactical exercise was held between the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan and the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi. The main purpose of the exercise is to improve the professional skills of the military contingents of our countries in anti-terror operations, contribute to ensuring sustainable peace, and exchange mutual experience. Such steps further strengthen cooperation”.
Modern.az reports that these views were expressed by Malik Hasanov, a member of the Milli Majlis.
The MP noted that the visit of our head of state Ilham Aliyev is noteworthy for its important aspects: “Mr. Ilham Aliyev also met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The parties welcomed the progress made towards implementing the outcomes of the Washington Peace Summit, hosted and witnessed by US President Donald Trump. The necessity of expanding confidence-building measures was stated, and the implementation of TRIPP and other connectivity projects was discussed. The historic peace agreement is a presentation of Azerbaijan's policy based on justice and international law. Maintaining and developing an environment of mutual trust in interstate relations is among the main challenges. Azerbaijan's peace proposal to Armenia immediately after our historic Victory is regarded as an indicator of its great importance to sustainable development, peace, and security in the region. Azerbaijan fulfilled all its obligations to achieve peace and demanded the same from Armenia. Finally, Azerbaijan achieved the desired result in August of last year. It was once again confirmed that although the path to peace is difficult and complex, it is possible to achieve real results based on consistent political will, strong and responsible leadership, and international solidarity”.
Malik Hasanov stated that Azerbaijan's peace model presented to the world was widely discussed at the “Zayed Award for Human Fraternity” presentation ceremony in Abu Dhabi: “The awarding of this prize to our head of state Ilham Aliyev is regarded as one of the important events in our diplomatic history. Mr. Ilham Aliyev stated in his speech at the award ceremony that it is a great honor to be awarded this prize named after Sheikh Zayed. Our head of state made such a call that this peace is of great importance not only for two countries but also for the wider region. Our example should be studied and used as a roadmap for those who are still in a state of war. It was also noted that this ceremony carries symbolic meaning. Because the last round of negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan took place here in July of last year, just one month before the historic Washington Summit. With the support of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the final agreement for the establishment of peace was reached here, and that agreement was later formalized in Washington”.
The MP emphasized that Azerbaijan's successes in all areas under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, and its policy based on justice and international law, ensured its superiority both on the battlefield and on the information front, leading to the end of 30 years of occupation: “Azerbaijan is always in the spotlight with its calls for peace, cooperation, and solidarity. Peace is essential for ensuring sustainable development. These ideas were also reflected in video messages at the “Zayed Award for Human Fraternity” presentation ceremony. It was stated that continuous dialogue is important to promote mutual understanding and achieve long-term peace. The selection of winners by the leadership of the independent Zayed International Award, operating with the blessings of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayyib of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, is an indicator of high international recognition. This confirms the profound human value of works serving peace and human dignity. The calls also specifically highlighted that in today's volatile world, there is a great need for responsible leaders, unwavering political will, and the resolution of problems through dialogue. In the current complex international situation, decisions made in this manner can create a foundation of stability and strong trust between states and peoples”.
