President discusses bilateral ties, regional issues with leaders

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a telephone call with King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, during which they discussed the close fraternal relations between their two countries and joint efforts to expand cooperation in ways that serve the interests of their people.

The two leaders also reviewed a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern and exchanged views on the latest developments in the region.

In this context, they emphasised the importance of moving forward with the implementation of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and ensuring the unimpeded delivery of sufficient humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of its people.

They also stressed the need to work towards a just and comprehensive peace in the region, based on the two-state solution, as the only viable foundation for achieving lasting peace and regional stability.

Both leaders underscored the importance of promoting peace and stability across the region and resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomatic means, in the interest of all its people.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed met Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to review bilateral relations and explore ways to expand cooperation.

The talks took place within the framework of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

The meeting, held at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi during President Aliyev’s working visit to the UAE, discussed collaboration opportunities in areas that serve both nations’ development ambitions, particularly the economic, investment, development, and renewable energy fields.

The two leaders also discussed the recent announcement of the 2026 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, which honoured the historic peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, hailing it as a global model for reconciliation and a landmark step towards conflict resolution.

He congratulated President Aliyev, describing the award as a tribute to the wisdom of both nations in reaching an agreement that paves the way for peace, cooperation, and stability between them and across the Caucasus region, for the benefit of all its peoples.

President Aliyev praised the efforts and goodwill initiatives of Sheikh Mohamed, as well as the UAE’s diplomatic role in advancing peace, stability, and security both regionally and globally.

The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser; Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; several ministers; top officials and the accompanying delegation of the President of Azerbaijan.

During the meeting, a Letter of Intent was announced between the UAE and Azerbaijan on defence cooperation, along with a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a twinning relationship between the Department of Municipalities and Transport - Abu Dhabi and the Azerbaijani capital, Baku.

President Aliyev arrived in the UAE earlier in the day and was welcomed by the President, along with Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and a number of senior officials.

Also during the day, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed met Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, for discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in support of both countries’ development ambitions.

During the meeting, which took place at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi during President Bio’s working visit to the UAE, the two leaders explored opportunities to expand collaboration in priority sectors including the economy, trade, investment, renewable energy, and sustainability.

WAM