UAE, Azerbaijan sign protocol on transport links

Dubai: UAE Minister of Economy Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri and Ziya Mammadov, Minister of Transport of Azerbaijan have signed a joint protocol to strengthen ties between the two countries.

Al Mansouri led a UAE delegation to Baku for a two-day visit aimed at boosting air traffic and developing a road transit network between the two countries.

Both the UAE and Azerbaijan are energy-rich economies.

The Gulf remains the biggest energy gateway to the world.

During the visit, the delegation held talks on strengthening cooperation in transport between the two countries. Both sides deemed it important to facilitate transport operations, increase transportation volumes, and to strengthen future cooperation in the application of modern transportation technologies. Both ministers underlined the positive increase in trade in recent years between the two countries.

Recognising the large-scale highway projects under way in Azerbaijan, both ministers noted the approval of the loan agreement for the construction of the Baku Ring Road between the Government of Azerbaijan and the Abu Dhabi Fund of the UAE.

Both sides exchanged views regarding cooperation within the framework of international transport organisations and international transport corridors.

Furthermore, both ministers deemed it necessary to conduct meetings between competent representatives in air transport in the two countries with the objective of development of air transport ties.

Taking note of the establishment of the free trade zone and modern logistical system within the Baku International Sea Trade Port Complex that will be constructed in the near future, both sides discussed the possibility of exchanges of expertise between the ports authorities.

They also asserted the need to encourage and involve specialised companies in the private sectors of both countries for the implementation of national transport projects.