Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold official talks at the Kremlin with the UAE’s President, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is visiting Moscow.
According to the Kremlin, the two leaders will discuss “the current state and future prospects of comprehensive cooperation between Russia and the UAE, as well as key international issues, including developments in the Middle East and North Africa.”
Putin also mentioned that they plan to visit a Russian educational institution supported in part by the UAE leader, though he didn’t specify which institution.
These talks won’t be the only occasion for discussions between the two leaders. From October 22 to 24, they will both attend the BRICS summit in Kazan. Russia is currently chairing BRICS, and both presidents will play key roles at the summit.
Informal Meeting Before the Official Talks
Before the formal talks, Putin welcomed the UAE president for an informal dinner at his Novo-Ogaryovo residence, outside Moscow. Putin described the gathering as a “friendly conversation on all current issues.”
During the informal meeting, they reportedly discussed a range of topics, including the situation in the Middle East, the conflict in Ukraine, and bilateral relations.
It’s rare for Putin to host foreign leaders in such an informal setting. In recent years, he’s done so only twice—once with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2024, and previously with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in 2023. Putin has highlighted his warm, trusting relationship with the UAE president, stating, “I have a very friendly, trusting connection with President Mohammed.”
Robust Economic Ties
Russia and the UAE have developed a strong economic partnership. As Putin noted, trade between the two nations has tripled over the past three years, reaching a value of 1 trillion rubles in 2023. President Mohammed bin Zayed has been a strong advocate of closer ties with Russia. Additionally, the UAE refrained from joining Western sanctions against Russia in 2022, acknowledging Russia’s right to ensure its own national security.
Putin has praised Sheikh Mohammed for playing a key role in raising relations between Moscow and Abu Dhabi to an unprecedented level. Since Mohammed bin Zayed became president, the two leaders have maintained regular contact, speaking frequently and meeting three times in person, most recently during Putin’s visit to the UAE.
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Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS