UAE, Russia strengthen strategic partnership in Moscow talks
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed meets Vladimir Putin to boost bilateral ties
MOSCOW – UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held high-level talks with Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, in Moscow today, focusing on strengthening strategic ties and expanding cooperation across key sectors.
The discussions, which took place at the Kremlin during His Highness Sheikh Mohamed’s official visit to Russia, opened with the UAE President expressing hope that 2026 would mark a year of growth and progress for Russia, alongside continued development in UAE-Russia relations.
Bilateral cooperation
The two leaders explored avenues to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, technology, space, and energy. These areas remain priorities for both countries, underscoring a shared commitment to further enhancing the UAE-Russia strategic partnership across multiple sectors.
They also exchanged perspectives on pressing regional and global developments. His Highness reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to promoting peace and stability worldwide, highlighting the country’s belief in dialogue and peaceful solutions as essential to resolving conflicts both regionally and globally.
A detailed review of the Middle East situation followed, with both leaders emphasising the urgent need to intensify efforts toward a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution. This approach aims to ensure security and stability for all parties in the region.
Decades of trust
Highlighting the strength of UAE-Russia ties, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed noted that relations are founded on over 50 years of trust and mutual respect. He reaffirmed the UAE’s dedication to building development-focused partnerships while enhancing international cooperation to address shared global challenges, aiming for sustainable development and prosperity.
Recent economic agreements were also discussed. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed highlighted the Trade in Services and Investment Agreement signed by the UAE and Russia in August, along with the Economic Partnership Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union signed in June. Both agreements are expected to boost trade and investment flows while supporting sustainable development and strengthening bilateral economic ties.
Humanitarian cooperation
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed expressed gratitude to President Putin for supporting the UAE’s mediation in prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, reaffirming the country’s readiness to assist constructive humanitarian efforts. President Putin welcomed the UAE leader and praised the UAE’s role in hosting trilateral talks with Russia, Ukraine, and the United States aimed at exploring diplomatic solutions to the Ukraine crisis.
A luncheon hosted by President Putin in honour of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed and his delegation followed the talks. The UAE delegation included Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President, alongside several ministers and senior officials from both countries.
Ceremonial honours
Upon arrival at the Kremlin, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed received an official reception, including a welcome from President Putin, national anthems, an honour guard, and cavalry.
The official visit concluded with the UAE President departing Moscow, escorted by a formation of Russian military jets as a mark of honour.