Mustafayev Shahin Abdulla, Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan and Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Hamel Al Qubaisi, UAE Ambassador to Azerbaijan, discussed means of developing and strengthening economic and development relations between the two countries.

During the meeting, which was held at the Azerbaijan's Economy Ministry, Minister Abdulla pointed to the distinguished political relations between the UAE and Azerbaijan, saying that meetings and mutual visits assure the expansion of economic cooperation relations between the two countries, especially that Azerbaijan pays special importance to expanding economic cooperation with the UAE.

He also pointed the appointment of an Azerbaijani trade representative in the UAE, and a committee of Azerbaijani businessmen, which was sent to start exporting Azerbaijani products to the UAE.

Minister Abdulla remarked that the relations between the two countries are proceeding successfully in all fields, especially the tourism sector. The number of UAE tourists to Azerbaijan has increased in the last two years by 30 times, clarifying that there is great potential to expand cooperation between the two countries.

Dr. Al Qubaisi noted that Etihad Airways will start direct flights to Azerbaijan in 2018, which will help increase trade and tourism between the two countries.

He added that there are several areas of cooperation between the two countries such as industry, education, finance, industrial zones, investment and other fields, and pledged to do everything possible to attract more businessmen and tourists to Azerbaijan.