President Sargsyan Meets with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

On a working visit to the United Arab Emirates, the President of the Republic of Armenia, Armen Sargsyan, met with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. President Sargsyan expressed gratitude to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the invitation to participate in the "Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week" conference, stating, "The warm relations established between our countries and peoples are very dear to us. We are ready to develop and expand them to the fullest extent."

The President highlighted the significance of the agreement signed during his visit to the UAE last December with the leading renewable energy company "Masdar" and the Armenian National Interests Fund regarding the joint development of solar energy projects totaling 400 MW in Armenia, which will entail an investment of approximately $320 million. Noting that Armenia has beautiful natural resources, the president stated that this project, being a significant step towards diversifying Armenia's energy system, will contribute to making Armenia greener.

President Armen Sargsyan and Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed a wide spectrum of Armenian-Emirati cooperation. They considered cooperation in innovation, information, and high technology sectors to be promising. In this context, the president introduced the ATOM (Advanced Tomorrow) presidential initiative aimed at the development of technology and science in Armenia, mentioning that this multifaceted program is expected to include the establishment of Armenia's first artificial intelligence "Disneyland" for children, as well as attract major international technology companies in the information and high technology sectors to Armenia, making the country one of the leading centers in artificial intelligence and mathematical modeling. "We would be happy to collaborate with Emirati companies within the framework of this program," the Armenian president emphasized.

The interlocutors also pointed out the significant potential for beneficial cooperation in food security and agriculture, exchanging ideas on nuclear energy, nuclear fuel, and nuclear waste management issues. Tourism was also mentioned as a sector of mutual interest. President Sargsyan emphasized the importance of establishing direct air connectivity between Abu Dhabi and Yerevan in terms of activating tourism and business ties. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan instructed the head of the relevant authority to discuss and provide concrete solutions on this issue.

The meeting with delegations was followed by a private conversation between the President of the Republic of Armenia, Armen Sargsyan, and Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.