The UAE has participated in the 2nd Session of the Arab Economic and Cooperation Forum with the countries of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, that was held at the ministerial level here.

Led by Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, the UAE delegation discussed with the President of Tajikistan Imam Ali Rahman ways of enhancing bilateral relations and establishing an effective mechanism for fostering cooperation between the two countries.

The President of Tajikistan commended UAE's participation in the event, affirming the deeply-rooted ties between the two sisterly nations.

The initiative to organise the Arab Economic and Cooperation Forum with the countries of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan was firstly launched in 130th session of the Council of the League of Arab States on 8 September 2008 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This decision was adopted by the initiative of the King of Saudi Arabia. It stresses the importance to expedite the agreements highlighted in the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding which was signed by League of Arab States and Central Asian countries.

Al Mansouri said the forum represents an important step for reinvigorating trade, and investment relations between the participating countries and for harnessing the vast resources boasted by these nations, noting that the bilateral trade exchange between the UAE and Tajikistan amounted to US$40 million in 2016.

The first session of the Forum on the ministers of foreign affairs, economy and finance level was held on 14 May 2014 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, under the theme of "Investment prospects and trade exchange". The Riyadh Declaration was adopted as the final act and the Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the League of Arab States with the countries of Central Asian and the Republic of Azerbaijan.