The Azerbaijani ambassador to U.A.E., Elkhan Gahramanov, has affirmed that bilateral relations between his country and U.A.E. are strong and growing, in political and economic spheres in particular. 

"There are big opportunities and potentials for the two countries in the field of investments," said Ambassador Gahramanov in an exclusive interview with WAM on the occasion of Azerbaijan's National Day (Republic Day), adding that Azerbaijan was able to set an example for economic and social development making it an "ideal state globally" in terms of dynamic development.

U.A.E., during the reign of its founding father and first president, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was among the first Muslim states to recognise the independence of Azerbaijan upon the breakup of the former Soviet Union in 1991, the Azeri ambassador noted adding that the bilateral relations between the two countries were established during a historic meeting between Sheikh Zayed and Azeri leader Heydar Aliyev on the sidelines of the Islamic Summit in Casablanca, Morocco, in 1994. 

"In 2006, U.A.E.-Azerbaijan relations received a boost during a meeting between President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, when the two countries signed more than 10 official documents setting the track of their bilateral relations and cooperation and laying a strong foundation for their future cooperation." 

In addition to the exchange of high-profile visits and meetings between Azeri and U.A.E. senior officials, the Azeri envoy said the two countries have long-standing and successful cooperation within international organisations such as United Nations and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

"We mutually support each other's positions on a variety of matters," said Ambassador Gahramanov. The Azeri ambassador expressed the appreciation of the Azeri leadership and people for President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of U.A.E. Armed Forces, and H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, for supporting Azerbaijan. 

Bakudaily.az