UAE’s MBZ meets Azerbaijan's Aliyev as Abu Dhabi expands South Caucasus footprint

UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met Tuesday in Karabakh, as Abu Dhabi expands its diplomatic and economic role in the South Caucasus.  

What happened: Sheikh Mohammed arrived in Shusha, Azerbaijan, where he was received by Aliyev. They held a one-on-one meeting as well as a larger meeting with delegations from each side in attendance.  

The two leaders oversaw the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, which, according to Emirati News Agency (WAM), focuses on "fostering broader cooperation across sectors in a way that advances both countries' development priorities." 

They also witnessed the signing of several memorandums covering transportation, energy and tourism. These included a development agreement between Abu Dhabi Holding Company and Azerbaijan Investment Holding, initiatives to develop renewable and clean energy projects within designated green energy zones in the United Arab Emirates, and the use of artificial intelligence in schools.