UAE and Armenia Discuss Strategies for Enhancing Joint Endeavors
In a significant development, the UAE and Armenia have been forging closer relations, marked by increased trade, high-level visits, and mutual support for regional peace. This deepening cooperation, which has seen the UAE emerge as Armenia's second-largest trading partner by 2024, reflects significant growth in bilateral trade and investment interests across the South Caucasus.
Earlier in 2025, Armenian Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan visited the UAE to discuss the enhancement of trade and economic ties. The visit underscored the joint efforts to develop these relationships with concrete initiatives.
Diplomatically, the UAE warmly welcomed the August 2025 peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, praising the commitment to peaceful dialogue and expressing support for stability in the Caucasus region. This stance underlines the UAE’s interest in fostering a harmonious environment conducive to economic cooperation.
Armenia regards the UAE as its strongest political and economic link to the Gulf Arab countries, highlighting the UAE’s role as a gateway for Armenia to the Gulf region and a partner in strategic cooperation.
Recent broader regional agreements involving Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the US focus mainly on security and economic development. However, they also open potential opportunities for Armenia to diversify economic partnerships beyond its traditional ties with Russia and Iran, indirectly benefiting partnerships like that with the UAE.
The leaders of both nations, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and President Vahagn Khachaturyan of Armenia, recently met at Qasr Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi. The meeting reinforced the commitment to deepening ties between Armenia and the UAE, with both leaders discussing strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in economic and investment sectors.
Sheikh Mohamed welcomed the Armenian President during their meeting, while President Khachaturyan thanked Sheikh Mohamed for his continued support. Other members of the UAE ruling family, including H.H. Sheikh Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, and other unnamed members, were present at the meeting.
The leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to enhancing cooperation that benefits both nations. Sheikh Mohamed commended the recent peace progress between Armenia and Azerbaijan and conveyed his wishes for continued stability and prosperity for Armenia and its people.
Armenia is dedicated to expanding the growing partnership with the UAE across multiple sectors. The meeting further emphasized the alignment of their respective national development goals. Both leaders expressed hope that the peace progress would pave the way for long-term stability and prosperity across the Caucasus.
Sheikh Mohamed reiterated the UAE's firm commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts that promote peace and security worldwide. The discussions also covered key regional and international developments, reflecting the UAE's broader commitment to fostering a peaceful and prosperous world.
- The leaders' discussion about strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in economic and investment sectors, demonstrates the UAE's investment in Armenia's development and ongoing peace-building efforts amidst war-and-conflicts, as evidenced by their increasing involvement in regional politics.
- As Armenia seeks to diversify its economic partnerships and establish itself as a significant player in general-news arenas like the South Caucasus, the UAE, and its strategic investments, serve as a crucial stepping stone, offering supportive alliances that extend beyond traditional ties with Russia and Iran.
