UAE, Russian Presidents discuss bilateral strategic partnership in Moscow
Last updated: August 7, 2025 | 20:17
Sheikh Mohamed and Vladimir Putin speak during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow. Reuters
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, to discuss enhancing the strategic partnership between the two countries, in addition to regional and international issues of common interest.
The two leaders met on Thursday at the Kremlin as part of Sheikh Mohamed's official visit to Russia.
During the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed and Putin reviewed progress in UAE-Russia cooperation, particularly in the fields of the economy, trade, investment, space, and energy, as well as other areas that serve the development-focused priorities of both countries and reflect their aim to bolster their strategic partnership.
Sheikh Mohamed shakes hands with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov as Vladimir Putin presents members of the delegation during a meeting at the Kremlin. Reuters
Sheikh Mohamed stated that UAE-Russia relations are based on mutual trust and respect, as well as deep-rooted and constructive engagement spanning more than 50 years. His Highness affirmed the UAE's commitment to building effective partnerships with other countries and enhancing international cooperation to address shared global challenges and foster prosperity and development for all.
Sheikh Mohamed and Putin also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. In this regard, His Highness affirmed the UAE's steadfast commitment to strengthening peace and stability while advancing diplomatic solutions both regionally and globally.
Sheikh Mohamed being presented Russian local food during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow. WAM
The two sides also discussed the importance of the Russia-Arab summit, scheduled to be held in October at the direction of His Excellency Putin, in strengthening Russia's relations with the Arab world.
Sheikh Mohamed and Putin reviewed developments in the Middle East, underscoring the need to intensify efforts towards achieving a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace based on the two-state solution with the aim of promoting stability and security for all.
Vladimir Putin greets members of the UAE delegation as he attends a meeting with Sheikh Mohamed at the Kremlin in Moscow. Reuters
His Highness also expressed his appreciation to Putin for facilitating the UAE's mediation concerning the exchange of over 4,000 prisoners between Russia and Ukraine, emphasising the UAE's continued willingness to further advance this humanitarian effort.
For his part, Putin welcomed Sheikh Mohamed to Russia, expressing his appreciation for the UAE's ongoing mediation efforts on prisoner exchanges.
Sheikh Mohamed and Vladimir Putin speak during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow. Reuters
Putin stated that Russia attaches great importance to developing its relations with the UAE, noting that the two countries’ cooperation continues to grow, especially in the economic and investment fields.
Putin hosted a luncheon for His Highness and the accompanying delegation.
While arriving earlier at the Kremlin, His Highness the President was received by Putin. The national anthems of both countries were played, and Sheikh Mohamed greeted senior officials lined up to welcome him, while Putin greeted members of the delegation accompanying His Highness.
On the sidelines of the visit, the two countries signed the Trade in Services and Investment Agreement (TISIA).
The agreement was signed on behalf of the UAE by Dr Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, and on behalf of the Russian side by Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Economic Development.
The UAE-Russia TISIA complements the Economic Partnership Agreement signed between the UAE and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which includes Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, in addition to Russia. It provides a special bilateral cooperation framework focusing on services and investment, including in the areas of financial technology, healthcare, transportation, logistics, professional services, and others.
Suhail Mohammed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, and Andrey Nikitin, Russian Minister of Transport, also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of land transport.
The delegation accompanying His Highness the President attended the talks, including 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, Adviser to the UAE President; Ali Bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of 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; and Dr Mohammed Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Ambassador to the Russian Federation, along with a number of senior officials.
The talks were also attended by ministers and senior officials from the Russian side.
Sheikh Mohamed departed Moscow at the conclusion of his official visit to Russia, with military aircraft escorting His Highness’ plane through Russian airspace. WAM