Dubai, Nov. 21st, 2006 (WAM) - The President of Azerbaijan, IlhamAliyev, along with a high profile trade delegation from his country,visited the Jebel Ali Free Zone today, and was received by theChairman of Dubai World, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem.

The talks were attended by Jamal Majid Bin Thaniah, Group CEO,Dubai World, Salma Hareb, CEO, Jafza and Economic Zones World,and Mohamed Al Moalem, Managing Director, DP World along withother senior officials.

President Aliyev was briefed on Dubai World's plans for expansionalong with the development of existing projects. President Aliyevwas also shown a video presentation on Nakheel's upcoming projectsbefore a tour of the ports area in Jebel Ali.

Mr Bin Sulayem, spoke of the excellent ties between Azerbaijanand the United Arab Emirates, including increasing bilateraltrade: 'We are extremely pleased to welcome our esteemed gueststo Dubai and would like to reiterate our commitment towards forginggreater economic ties between the two countries. Dubai and Azerbaijanshare similar values in terms of work ethos and we are activelylooking at expanding our investment base in the country. Undera visionary leadership, Dubai has been able to benefit from world-classprojects such as the three Palm islands, Dubai Waterfront projectand a host of other exciting developments.' The UAE and the Republic of Azerbaijan signed 11 agreements inAbu Dhabi this week covering cooperation in the fields of economy,legal affairs, military, health, education and sports.

Jafza offers a range of advantages to companies establishingoperations in the free zone, such as a business environment freefrom red tape, no duties on all import and export goods and machineries,modern communication facilities and excellent support services.

More than 5,500 companies from over 120 countries, includingabout 140 Fortune 500 companies, have set up facilities at Jafza.

Last night, President Aliyev visited the Abu Dhabi Chamber ofCommerce and Industry.

He called in a speech delivered there for increasing tradeexchange between the two countries.

He also invited UAE businessmen to explore joint venture opportunitiesin Azerbaijan, particularly in the fields of infrastructure projects,gas and other sectors.