©Sputnik/ Aleksey Nikolskyi
Russian President Vladimir Putin has not traveled to the Middle East since the beginning of the pandemic - the last time he was in the region was in 2019, when he visited the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
Putin will first hold delegation-level talks and then a separate meeting with Saudi Crown Prince and Chairman of the Council of Ministers Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.
Putin recognizes UAE's environmental stewardship
The Russian president emphasized that "the Russian delegation is very involved in the conference’s work"
"Today, one of the most important international ecological forums (the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change - COP28 - TASS) is being held in the UAE. The initial results of the Paris agreements are being summarized," Putin said during talks with Al Nahyan.
"You are holding this event just as we expected - at the highest level. Undoubtedly, many people around the world, who are far removed from the environmental movement, are grateful for your efforts here," Putin addressed the UAE leader.
The Russian president emphasized that "the Russian delegation is very involved in the conference’s work." "We wish you success, which I have no doubt you will have," the Russian leader emphasized.
The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is being held from November 30 to December 12 in Dubai. Over 140 state leaders and more than 70,000 delegates from various countries are attending the event. Representatives from big business, the research community, experts and journalists are also present at the event.
Russia-UAE relations at all-time high – Putin
Relations between Russia and the United Arab Emirates are at an all-time high, President Vladimir Putin said during his state visit to Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
Speaking at a welcoming ceremony hosted by UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Russian leader praised the thriving business and energy ties between the two countries.
“Today, thanks to your stance, our relations have reached an unprecedentedly high level,” Putin stated.
The Russian president described the UAE as Moscow’s “main trade partner in the Arab world,” noting that trade turnover between the pair had increased by 67% in 2022, and expressing hope that this trend would accelerate.
Putin further stated that the two countries are actively expanding industrial cooperation while being involved in several major joint oil and gas ventures. They also cooperate as part of the OPEC+ oil group, he added.
On the diplomatic front, the Russian leader remarked that the two sides would discuss current tensions around the world, in particular the Israel-Hamas war, but also the Ukraine conflict.
President Sheikh Mohamed described relations with Russia as “historic,” noting they are developing in numerous areas to the benefit of both nations.
The UAE has emerged as Russia’s key trade partner in the Middle East since the start of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022, which led to Western countries imposing unprecedented economic sanctions on Moscow.
After his visit to the UAE, Putin is expected to hold talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh later on Wednesday. According to the Kremlin, the pair will discuss bilateral cooperation in trade, economic, and investment areas, as well as regional and international issues.
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