UAE President Holds High-Level Talks with Putin in Moscow to Strengthen Strategic Partnership
Moscow, The Gulf Observer: His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, met with His Excellency Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, at the Kremlin as part of an official visit aimed at deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries and discussing regional and international issues of mutual interest.
During the high-level meeting, the two leaders reviewed the significant progress made in UAE–Russia cooperation across various fields, particularly in economy, trade, investment, space exploration, and energy. Discussions also touched on expanding collaboration in other areas aligned with the development priorities of both nations.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed emphasized that relations between the UAE and Russia are founded on mutual trust, respect, and a more than five-decade-long history of constructive engagement. He reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to forging effective global partnerships and enhancing international cooperation to collectively address global challenges and promote sustainable development and prosperity.
The two leaders exchanged views on pressing regional and global developments. His Highness underscored the UAE’s consistent efforts to promote peace and stability, expressing support for diplomatic solutions to regional and international conflicts.
President Putin and His Highness also discussed preparations for the upcoming Russia–Arab Summit, scheduled for October 2025, under President Putin’s directive. They noted the summit’s importance in reinforcing Russia’s ties with the Arab world and enhancing multilateral cooperation.
In particular, the leaders addressed developments in the Middle East and reiterated the importance of intensified international efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the two-state solution — a cornerstone for regional security and stability.
President Sheikh Mohamed expressed appreciation for Russia’s facilitation of the UAE’s humanitarian mediation in the exchange of over 4,000 prisoners between Russia and Ukraine. He reaffirmed the UAE’s ongoing commitment to advancing such humanitarian efforts. President Putin, in turn, lauded the UAE’s mediating role and welcomed His Highness to Russia with deep appreciation.
To further enhance bilateral ties, the two sides witnessed the signing of the Trade in Services and Investment Agreement (TISIA). The agreement, signed by UAE Minister of Foreign Trade H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and Russian Minister of Economic Development H.E. Maxim Reshetnikov, establishes a robust framework for cooperation in key sectors such as financial technology, healthcare, logistics, transportation, and professional services. TISIA complements the Economic Partnership Agreement previously signed between the UAE and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding on Land Transport Cooperation was signed between H.E. Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, and H.E. Andrey Nikitin, Russian Minister of Transport.
Upon arrival at the Kremlin, President Sheikh Mohamed was formally welcomed by President Putin. The national anthems of both countries were played, and senior officials from both sides exchanged greetings. President Putin later hosted a luncheon in honour of His Highness and the accompanying UAE delegation.
The Emirati delegation accompanying His Highness included:
- H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President
- Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security
- Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology
- Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade
- Mohamed Hassan Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment
- Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State
- Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai, Adviser to the President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs
- Dr. Ahmed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the President’s Office for Strategic Affairs and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office
- Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Ambassador to the Russian Federation
Several high-ranking ministers and officials from the Russian side also attended the talks.
At the conclusion of the visit, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed departed Moscow. In a gesture of respect and friendship, military aircraft escorted his plane as it exited Russian airspace, marking the end of a visit that reinforced the enduring and evolving strategic ties between the UAE and Russia.
