Baku: A delegation from the UAE, led by Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, has concluded a two-day official visit to Baku, Azerbaijan, aimed at strengthening collaboration in agriculture and livestock sectors. The visit, held on the 16th and 17th of February, focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in food security, sustainable agriculture, and the livestock sector under the framework of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Azerbaijan.
According to Emirates News Agency, the UAE delegation engaged with Azerbaijani government officials and private sector representatives to explore investment opportunities and develop resilient food supply chains. The delegation included prominent figures such as Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment; Abdulrahman Al Hawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment; and Mohammed Murad Al Blooshi, UAE Ambassador to Azerbaijan.
The visit centered around three key objectives: facilitating trade and investment in agriculture and livestock, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and boosting overall food security. The UAE aims to leverage its proactive approach to food security through strategic investment and international partnerships, recognizing Azerbaijan's agricultural potential.
The UAE delegation also included representatives from leading government and semi-government entities and the private sector, such as Silal Group, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, Fujairah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Agthia Group, Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority, among others.
The Azerbaijani side, represented by officials from the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency and the Azerbaijan Food Safety Institute, participated in structured dialogues and B2B meetings with the UAE delegates. These engagements aimed to deepen cooperation across food security and agriculture management, aligning with the CEPA.
Central to the visit was the UAE-Azerbaijan Food and Agriculture Roundtable, which facilitated strategic exchanges and partnership development. The roundtable included presentations from private sector companies, highlighting growth opportunities and innovative solutions in the agri-food sector.
During the visit, delegates toured Qo§ ?t farm in Lokbatan to gain insights into Azerbaijan's livestock sector, a strategic priority for bilateral trade enhancement. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the UAE's Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency, focusing on cooperation in animal health, food safety, and biosecurity.
The delegation's visit included discussions with Azerbaijani ministers to expand food trade and explore UAE investments in Azerbaijan's agricultural infrastructure. The engagements also covered joint cooperation in agricultural research, innovation, and the use of artificial intelligence in research and development.
The CEPA between the UAE and Azerbaijan continues to drive economic engagement, with non-oil trade reaching approximately US$2.4 billion and UAE investments in Azerbaijan totaling $1 billion. This visit marks another step in strengthening the economic ties and fostering sustainable growth between the two nations.