Abu Dhabi, 7 December 2023(TDI): Vladimir Putin met with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, discussing Russia-UAE cooperation and the potential for further ties expansion.
Before the meetings began, the President of the UAE organized an official welcome ceremony for the Russian President at the Qasr Al Watan Palace.
Furthermore, they also discussed current world topics, with an emphasis on the current events in the Middle East.
🇷🇺🇦🇪 President Vladimir #Putin held talks with President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi.
💬 Vladimir Putin: Today, our relations – thanks to the position you have taken – have reached unprecedented heights
🔗 https://t.co/q3KvbuDubY pic.twitter.com/IR7CilI3Px
— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) December 6, 2023
Longstanding Relations and Gratitude
During the meeting, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan highlighted the longstanding character of relations between the Russian Federation and the UAE.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, also expressed gratitude to Putin for his personal and effective contribution to the building of their bilateral relations.
Today in Abu Dhabi I discussed with President Vladimir Putin the ties between our two nations, and the importance of strengthening dialogue and cooperation to ensure stability and progress. The UAE will continue to support efforts aimed at enabling global growth, prosperity and… pic.twitter.com/u7wxzvVbjv
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) December 6, 2023
He added that the United Arab Emirates has emerged as Russia’s largest trade partner in the Middle East and Gulf Region, a significant reflection of the previous year’s accomplishments.
The depth of economic engagement was highlighted by a significant 103 percent rise in non-oil sector investments from the UAE, indicating an unprecedented breakthrough in the two countries’ historical connections.
Zayed Al Nahyan mentioned that the UAE’s huge investment boom in Russia underscores the two countries’ extraordinary partnership, emphasizing their commitment to robust bilateral cooperation in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and high technologies.
Global Participation in BRICS and SCO
Additionally, the UAE and Russia showcased their economic connections and global cooperation by taking an active role in BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), respectively. Meanwhile, the UAE obtained dialogue partner status within the organization in May 2023.
Also Read: Putin to join virtual BRICS meeting on Gaza
On the other hand, President Putin underscored the Soviet Union’s historical significance as one of the first states to acknowledge the UAE’s independence and self-sufficiency.
President Putin praised the UAE as Russia’s primary economic partner in the Arab world, highlighting a 67.7% increase in trade last year and expecting further investment activity and industrial collaboration, especially in oil and gas projects.
Over 900,000 Russian tourists visited the UAE last year, and humanitarian links and people-to-people contacts increased with a Russian school and Orthodox church allotment.
President Putin appreciated the UAE’s position as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, underscoring its efforts to stabilize global conditions, particularly the Arab-Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Furthermore, Vladimir Putin expressed satisfaction with the UAE’s BRICS participation and anticipates more discussions before Russia’s leadership in 2024, stating that the upcoming Kazan summit will facilitate continued dialogue.
In his concluding remarks, President Putin praised the UAE’s hosting of a crucial environmental summit on implementing the Paris Agreement, acknowledging significant environmental initiatives, and involving a Russian delegation in the global effort.
Aqsa Bibi is a contributing author on TDI
