Relations between the United Arab Emirates and Azerbaijan have evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership grounded in strong political dialogue, expanding economic ties, energy cooperation, and growing defense collaboration. Frequent high-level engagement between H.H. President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (May Allah protect him) and H.E. President Ilham Aliyev has accelerated bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.
A major milestone was the signing of the UAE–Azerbaijan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in Abu Dhabi in July 2025. The agreement institutionalized long-term cooperation in trade, investment, digital economy, logistics, services, and supply-chain integration, while eliminating tariffs on the overwhelming majority of bilateral goods trade. The CEPA also established specialized committees and technical councils to oversee implementation and investment facilitation.
The bilateral relationship was further elevated through the announcement of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the launch of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Cooperation Committee, which provides an institutional framework for coordination in economic, political, technological, and security matters. The inaugural meeting of the committee in Abu Dhabi highlighted the importance of reciprocal presidential visits and strategic coordination mechanisms.
Mutual presidential visits have become a defining feature of the partnership. His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, has visited Abu Dhabi several times, while His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State (may Allah protect him), has made 3 official presidential visits to the Republic of Azerbaijan, as detailed below:
As the latest visit of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed (may Allah protect him) is considered a historic visit to Azerbaijan, including Shusha, where numerous bilateral agreements were signed. These visits have further strengthened cooperation in the fields of renewable energy, infrastructure, transport corridors, and regional diplomacy.
Economic cooperation has expanded rapidly through investments by major Emirati companies in Azerbaijan’s renewable energy, logistics, construction, and infrastructure sectors, while Azerbaijani entities have increased engagement with UAE-based financial and trade hubs. Both sides are advancing a joint investment fund and a Joint Business Council aimed at deepening private-sector partnerships and facilitating cross-border capital flows.
The UAE has also emerged as an important diplomatic platform in the South Caucasus. Abu Dhabi hosted a high-level meeting between President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, underscoring the UAE’s growing role as a neutral venue for regional dialogue and normalization efforts between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Defense and security cooperation have likewise intensified. The two countries conducted the joint operational-tactical military exercise “Peace Shield – 2026” in Abu Dhabi, reflecting growing military interoperability and strategic coordination between their armed forces. Both leaderships emphasized the importance of continuing joint drills and expanding defense cooperation.
