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Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed with Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow yesterday. Image Credit: WAM

Moscow: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, yesterday discussed with Russian President Vladimir Putin bilateral relations besides regional and international issues of mutual concern.

The meeting came after President Putin received Shaikh Mohammad and his accompanying delegation in the Kremlin.

Putin welcomed Shaikh Mohammad to Russia, stressing the development of UAE-Russia relations and saying that Russia is taking great interest in advancing its relations with the UAE based on mutual respect and common interests. He also highlighted the importance of discussing latest developments in the region and ways to combat terrorism.

Putin spoke at length with Shaikh Mohammad about both countries’ economic and trade relations and ways to improve them to serve the interests of both nations.

Shaikh Mohammad expressed his delight at visiting Moscow and meeting with President Putin and conveyed the greetings of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Putin and his best wishes for further development and prosperity for the people of Russia.

During the meeting, both leaders reviewed bilateral relations in various fields and ways to enhance them based on the strong friendship between the two countries and their growing cooperation.

The two leaders also discussed existing cooperation in the economic, investment and trade sectors and possible ways to develop bilateral economic cooperation to serve the common interests of their peoples. The latest regional and international developments, particularly the crises in Syria and Libya, received special attention during the talks.

The meeting also touched on ways to combat terrorist organisations and the bigger picture across the Middle East

Shaikh Mohammad stressed the importance of building close-knit relationships in all areas, especially on the economic and trade fronts. He noted that UAE-Russian ties run very deep and have witnessed considerable growth at all levels thanks to the keenness of both leaderships to further develop and advance their relations and utilise every possible potential for growth.

The UAE is keen to consult with Russia on regional and international issues and is seeking an active and constructive Russian role in the establishment of stability and peace in the Middle East, Shaikh Mohammad said.

Shaikh Mohammad reiterated the UAE’s firm resolve to work to uphold security and stability in the Middle East and the world as a whole through positive cooperation with key regional and international influencers including Russia.

The meeting was attended by Shaikh Tahnoun Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser, and Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.