Baku: One of the main priorities of Azerbaijan's foreign policy is fostering cooperation with Gulf countries, said President Ilham Aliyev.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, during an interview with Al Arabiya TV channel, President Aliyev emphasized the significant investments from Gulf nations, particularly in renewable energy projects.

"Our main investors in renewable energy are companies from the UAE and Saudi Arabia," President Aliyev stated, highlighting their ongoing contributions. He noted that by 2030, Azerbaijan aims to achieve six gigawatts of solar and wind energy capacity through investments primarily from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and China. The president also mentioned the active construction of hydroelectric power stations in Karabakh, with a capacity of nearly 300 megawatts already established.

President Aliyev described the collaboration in the energy sector as a crucial aspect of Azerbaijan's relationship with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. He pointed out that ADNOC, a significant energy company from the UAE, has become a shareholder in one of Azerbaijan's major gas fields in the Caspian Sea. Similarly, Azerbaijan's state company SOCAR has acquired shares in an oil development project in the UAE, illustrating the depth of economic ties.

In addition to energy, the president highlighted ongoing projects in hospitality, tourism, and agriculture, emphasizing the broad investment portfolio being developed. He mentioned a partnership with a leading Saudi Arabian company to construct a desalination plant on the Caspian shore, which will enhance agricultural opportunities and benefit local communities.

President Aliyev underscored that these projects are integral to Azerbaijan's foreign policy agenda, with cooperation with Gulf countries being a primary focus.