Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed and Vladimir Putin during a welcome ceremony at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. AFP

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation held discussions on Wednesday on the multifaceted ties between the UAE and Russia.

The two sides also explored prospects to enhance relations within the context of the bilateral strategic partnership. Additionally, their dialogue covered various regional and international issues of mutual interest.

During the meeting, which took place at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi,Sheikh Mohamed welcomed Putin to the UAE and commended his significant contributions to the growth of UAE-Russia relations at various levels.

Putin extended his congratulations to His Highness on the 52nd Union Day, expressing his wishes for continued progress and prosperity in the UAE.

The two sides also exchanged views on various issues of mutual interest, with a focus on developments in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

They emphasised the need for international action to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, protect civilians, and ensure the safe, unimpeded, and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid.

In this context, both sides underscored the importance of working towards a clear horizon for a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region based on the two-state solution.

The meeting also addressed recent developments in the Ukraine crisis. Sheikh Mohamed emphasised that the UAE is committed to resolving conflicts worldwide through diplomacy and dialogue.

This commitment is in line with the UAE's established policy of promoting peace, cooperation, and stability regionally and globally to enhance international peace and security.

The meeting touched upon the ongoing UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) held at Expo City Dubai. The Russian President expressed his hopes for the conference to yield outcomes that contribute to finding constructive solutions to climate challenges and enhancing international climate action for the benefit of all of humanity.

Sheikh Mohamed also affirmed the UAE's commitment to building bridges of cooperation with various countries in efforts to support initiatives that promote global stability and prosperity for all.

The Russian President commended the role of the UAE on the international stage, particularly through its membership on the UN Security Council, as well as its efforts in contributing to fostering global stability.

Earlier Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Wednesday received Vladimir Putin upon his arrival at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, official reception ceremonies were held. Accompanying Putin's convoy was a procession of riders on Arabian horses.

Sheikh Mohamed accompanied Vladimir Putin to inspect the guard of honour and witness performances of the Russian Federation and UAE national anthems.

The official reception ceremony also included a 21-gun artillery salute in honour of the visit and a flypast by the UAE Air Force aerobatics team Al Fursan, trailing smoke in the colours of the Russian flag.

UAE Air Force planes escorted the plane carrying the Russian President as he entered UAE airspace.

The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; His Highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi; Lt. General Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior;

Also present at the meeting were Sheikh Hamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sheikh Theyab Bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Office of Development and Martyrs Families Affairs at the Presidential Court; Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court; Ali Bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security;

Also present were Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President; Suhail Bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Dr Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Managing Director and Group CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC); Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology; Mohamed Hassan Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment; Khaldoun Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority and Member of the Executive Council; Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Bin Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Ambassador to the Russian Federation, as well as a number of high-ranking UAE officials.

The meeting was also attended by the delegation accompanying the Russian President, which included several ministers and senior officials.

WAM