Abu dhabi: Baku and Abu Dhabi have signed a letter of intent on defense cooperation during a working visit by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to the Emirati capital. The agreement was formalized as President Aliyev engaged in talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, where they both commended the evolving cooperation between their nations.

According to Anadolu Agency, the discussions between the two leaders also resulted in the signing of a document regarding the sale of part of the non-controlling stake held by Azerbaijan in Southern Gas Corridor CJSC to XRG, a division of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). The Azerbaijani presidency's statement highlighted that Azerbaijan-UAE relations rest on a strategic partnership and outlined discussions on the future trajectory of their bilateral ties.

The statement stressed the importance of reciprocal presidential visits and meetings in enhancing bilateral relations. Additionally, the discussions acknowledged the significance of the upcoming Peace Shield-2026 joint military exercise between Azerbaijan and the UAE, scheduled to occur in the UAE on February 2-3. The exercise aims to improve military interoperability between the two nations' armed forces, with both presidents expressing a commitment to continue such initiatives.

Furthermore, the leaders expressed optimism that the agreements signed would bolster the development of their bilateral relationship. The possibility of establishing twinning relations between Baku and Abu Dhabi was also discussed, indicating a further strengthening of ties between the two capitals.