President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Emir of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum have had an expanded meeting in Dubai.

The sides hailed the development of the bilateral relations in various areas. The successful visit of Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Emir of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to Azerbaijan was emphasized at the meeting.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum recalled his visit to Azerbaijan, saying he was deeply impressed by development processes in the country. “You have a beautiful country, beautiful people. I witnessed this during my visit to Azerbaijan.” He said the first European Games were excellently organized in Azerbaijan.

President Ilham Aliyev thanked Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for warm words. The head of state said Azerbaijan had become a venue for international events, expressing his confidence that the Islamic Solidarity Games to be held in the country next year would contribute to international cooperation. President Ilham Aliyev congratulated Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on the economic development of the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai, saying he witnessed the country`s outstanding success during his current visit.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum touched upon the global economic crisis and sharp decline in oil price, highlighting what the UAE was doing in this regard.

President Ilham Aliyev said Azerbaijan was also carrying out large-scale measures related to global processes. The head of state said substantial work was being done in the country to define a new economic model, adding that it would cover a broad range of economic areas.

President Ilham Aliyev hailed the activity of the Joint Economic Commission, saying it contributed to the expansion of the bilateral cooperation, including in the field of investment making. The head of state said there were good opportunities for developing the cooperation in the field of tourism as well. The President said development of tourism was a key priority for Azerbaijan, noting that the construction of high-class airports and the establishment of tourism infrastructure in regions contributed to the growth of tourism flow.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum hailed high the quality of Azerbaijan-made agricultural products, stressing the importance of increasing fruit and vegetable exports from Azerbaijan to the United Arab Emirates.

President Ilham Aliyev said there were good opportunities for UAE companies to participate in infrastructure and water supply projects in Azerbaijan, as well as in the ongoing construction of a sea port, creation of a free economic zone, and investment making projects in the country.

The sides noted that friendly ties between the people of Azerbaijan and UAE contributed to the development of the bilateral relations. Prospects for expanding the cooperation in the fields of production, industry, logistics and air transportation were discussed during the meeting.