ABU DHABI/DUBAI, 22 November 2006 — UAE President Sheikh Khalifa ibn Zayed Al-Nahayan and visiting Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev discussed economic links between their oil-rich countries on Monday, reported WAM news agency.
Sheikh Khalifa also received former US President George W. Bush yesterday, who is currently visiting the country to attend the Abu Dhabi world leadership summit which opened here yesterday.
Sheikh Khalifa and Aliyev reviewed prospects of bilateral economic cooperation, mainly in investments and tourism. They also discussed regional and international issues.
Aliyev, who arrived in Abu Dhabi earlier Monday, said his visit was aimed at “building bridges of cooperation and coordination in the interest of the two peoples”, according to WAM, which did not say how long the visit would last.
The UAE and the Republic of Azerbaijan signed 11 agreements in Abu Dhabi this week covering cooperation in the fields of economy, legal affairs, military, health, education and sports.
Sheikh Khalifa said he hoped the summit would come out with recommendations that contribute to upgrading the socio-economic development and achieve aspired goals. The two leaders exchanged views on latest regional and international events.
Meanwhile, Aliyev, along with a high profile trade delegation from his country, yesterday visited the Jebel Ali Free Zone. He was received by the chairman of Dubai World, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem
The talks were attended by Jamal Majid ibn Thaniah, group CEO, Dubai World, Salma Hareb, CEO, Jafza and Economic Zones World, and Mohamed Al-Moalem, managing director, DP World along with other senior officials.
President Aliyev was briefed on Dubai World’s plans for expansion along with the development of existing projects. President Aliyev was also shown a video presentation on Nakheel’s upcoming projects before a tour of the ports area in Jebel Ali.
Ibn Sulayem, spoke of the excellent ties between Azerbaijan and the United Arab Emirates, including increasing bilateral trade: “We are extremely pleased to welcome our esteemed guests to Dubai and would like to reiterate our commitment towards forging greater economic ties between the two countries. Dubai and Azerbaijan share similar values in terms of work ethos and we are actively looking at expanding our investment base in the country.”
