President Sheikh Mohamed and Azerbaijan leader discuss global climate fight in UAE meeting

Head of state holds talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who is on a working visit to the Emirates

President Sheikh Mohamed receives Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev in Abu Dhabi on Monday. Photo: UAE Presidential Court

President Sheikh Mohamed and his Azerbaijan counterpart Ilham Aliyev called for collective global action to combat the threat of climate change during high-level talks in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

The two leaders explored ways to bolster collaboration in renewable energy and the environment during discussions held at Qasr Al Shati in the UAE capital.

Mr Aliyev is on a working visit to the Emirates to attend the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, which started on Sunday and runs until Saturday, January 18.

Sheikh Mohamed emphasised the robust partnerships already in place between the nations to protect the planet, including joint projects in wind and solar energy.

The UAE and Azerbaijan were the hosts of Cop28 and Cop29, respectively, the two most recent UN climate conferences, highlighting their commitment to shaping a greener future.

Sheikh Mohamed praised Azerbaijan's staging of Cop29, which was held in the capital city of Baku in November, and spoke of the significant outcomes achieved during the event.

The leaders reviewed the central themes of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, which takes place as the world seeks to keep global temperature increases in check. The two men also pledged to deepen bilateral ties across key sectors, including the economy, investment and development.

Mr Aliyev thanked Sheikh Mohamed for his invitation to take part in the crucial climate talks in Abu Dhabi and reaffirmed his country's commitment to expanding its links with the UAE.

The meeting was attended by a number of ministers and senior officials, including Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser; Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; and Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade.

Sheikh Mohamed later met Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan, who is also in the Emirates to attend the sustainability week.

The two leaders, who met at Qasr Al Shati, discussed bilateral relations and explored ways to boost co-operation.

Uzbekistan leader arrives

Meanwhile, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan, also landed in the UAE on Monday to take part in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

He was welcomed by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, on arrival in Abu Dhabi.

Also present at the reception were Mr Al Mazrouei and Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan, Minister of State.