UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Thursday the Rt Hon Grant Shapps, the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Defence.
During the meeting, which took place at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi, His Highness and Secretary Shapps reviewed various aspects of cooperation between the UAE and the UK in the field of defence, as part of the strategic relationship that exists between the two countries.
The discussions also covered the latest developments in the Gaza Strip, and measures to de-escalate the critical situation that threatens to jeopardise the stability and security of the region and its people, UAE national news agency WAM reported.
The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Court; Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs; Khaldoun Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority, Member of the Executive Council; and the delegation accompanying the UK Defence Secretary.
In another development, the UAE President received a phone call Friday from Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in which they addressed bilateral relations and explored opportunities to enhance cooperation to achieve further progress, development, and prosperity for both nations.
During the call, His Highness the President and President Aliyev discussed cooperation between the UAE and Azerbaijan, particularly in vital investment, economic, developmental, and renewable energy sectors. These sectors align with the priorities of both countries in achieving sustainable development.
The President of Azerbaijan praised key developmental projects implemented by the UAE in Azerbaijan. In particular, he highlighted the Garadagh Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant, developed by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) in Azerbaijan. With a production capacity of 230 megawatts, it stands as the largest operational power plant of its kind in the region and the first independent solar energy project based on foreign investment in Azerbaijan.
The Garadagh Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant in Azerbaijan was inaugurated shortly before the start of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) hosted by the UAE in November. This event represents the UAE’s significant contributions to accelerating global efforts in identifying sustainable solutions and advancing climate action.
