St. Petersburg, 17 June 2023(TDI): UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Russian President Putin on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum yesterday.
The two sides discussed ways to boost their strategic collaborations alongside efforts to stabilize the Ukraine crisis. They showed their firm commitment to strengthening their bilateral relations.
Political solution to the Russia-Ukraine crisis
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed underscored the significance of increasing efforts to minimize the humanitarian fallout of the Russia-Ukraine crisis. He stressed the need for prisoner exchange initiatives between Russia and Ukraine.
Furthermore, the president expressed that we are willing to offer assistance in promoting peace. The UAE supports the “de-escalation” of the situation and a “political solution” to the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
“The UAE continues to support all efforts aimed at reaching a political solution through dialogue and diplomacy – towards global peace and stability,” he affirmed the UAE’s standing in the crisis through a tweet.
For his part, President Putin thanked President Mohamed bin Zayed for his efforts in resolving the humanitarian crisis emerging from the Ukraine conflict. He praised the role of the president in the exchange of detainees between Russia and Ukraine.
UAE’s participation at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF)
Prior to the discussions, both leaders toured the UAE’s pavilion at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). The UAE was the primary participant and guest country at the forum.
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During the pavilion tour, the UAE President was accompanied by a high-level delegation. Moreover, President Mohamed bin Zayed also met with the Supreme Council Member of Ras Al Khaimah, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr. He is heading the UAE’s delegation and exhibition at the Forum.
President Mohamed bin Zayed thanked Russian President Putin for inviting Emirati businessmen and companies to the forum. The two sides also discussed their increasing cooperation in technology, tourism, and economic sectors.
Additionally, he noted that the cooperation between the private sectors will ultimately strengthen the expanding bilateral relations.
