Azerbaijan welcomes UAE's president: a shared commitment to questionable human rights practices on display
In a significant development, Azerbaijan welcomed Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for an official visit in 2024. This visit marked a historic moment, resulting in the signing of 14 agreements that aim to deepen the strategic partnership between the two nations.
The agreements cover various sectors, including the economy, energy, digital development, education, and tourism. These agreements are expected to spur investment, diversify the economy, accelerate innovation, and strengthen human capital, aligning with Azerbaijan's development goals.
One of the key areas of focus is the energy sector. UAE investments in both fossil fuels and renewables will support balanced growth, with green energy projects expanding to meet domestic needs and free natural gas for export. This is anticipated to modernize Azerbaijan's energy infrastructure, boost gas exports (vital for Europe's energy security), and increase state revenues.
Emirati companies are actively involved in Azerbaijan's green energy projects, with Masdar planning 10 GW renewable energy projects and ADNOC/XRG funding the expansion of the Southern Gas Corridor. Furthermore, Emirati companies may pour major investments into various sectors of Azerbaijan's economy.
The visit also brought about the construction of two container ships for the UAE at the Baku Shipyard. This project is expected to revive Azerbaijan's shipbuilding industry, employ local specialists, and bring in additional revenue.
In addition to economic benefits, the agreements are expected to provide Azerbaijan with access to advanced technologies in digital development and education. Cooperation with Presight will accelerate the implementation of Azerbaijan's AI strategy and digitalization of governance and the economy.
A memorandum on labour exchange will allow Azerbaijani specialists to work legally in the UAE, offering better protection for migrant workers, reduced exploitation by intermediaries, and valuable skills that returnees can bring back to the domestic market.
The agreements also aim to liberalize trade, joint business projects, and create a more favorable business climate, opening new opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in particular. Documents on comprehensive economic cooperation, including a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and a Joint Business Council, are expected to boost non-oil trade.
However, it's important to note that a report by the US Congressional Research Service (CRS) underlined serious human rights problems in the UAE, including extrajudicial killings, torture, harsh prison conditions, political prisoners, and arbitrary detention. The report also flagged exploitation of foreign workers, including Azerbaijanis, with practices such as passport confiscation, withheld wages, and threats of deportation.
Despite these concerns, pro-government media and some political analysts consider the visit a historic event. The Azerbaijani economic and financial portal, fed.az, highlights the potential economic and social benefits of the new agreements.
In conclusion, the visit and the subsequent agreements mark a significant step forward in the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and the UAE. The expected benefits range from economic growth and modernization to job creation and technological advancement. However, it's crucial to address the human rights concerns raised in the CRS report to ensure a mutually beneficial and sustainable partnership.
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