Key statements from Uae, Russian presidents discussions ahead of BRICS Summit

Uae President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed is currently in Russia. He is set to attend the annual BRICS Summit in Kazan from October 22 to 24. It’s going to be Uae’s first participation in the event as a member of the organisation.

Earlier today, His Highness and Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, discussed bilateral relations and steps to strengthen ties as part of the strategic partnership binding both countries. They also addressed numerous regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Key statements from Uae, Russian presidents discussions

1. Uae-Russia ties are of historical and strategic importance

During the discussions on October 21, the Uae President noted that he is meeting his Russian counterpart for the third time in less than 18 months. He offered Putin belated greetings on his birthday, on October 7, hoping for his long life, good health, prosperity and peace.

“My dear friend,” His Highness continued, adding the Uae-Russia bilateral relations is of a historical and strategic nature. “Since the declaration of the strategic partnership in 2018, our relations have been making strides.”

2. Uae ready to help increase bilateral trade

In his opening speech, the Emirati leader emphasised that in 2018, the Uae-Russia bilateral trade amounted to $2.5 billion, excluding the oil sector. But last year, this figure exceeded $100 billion in a sizeable change.

The Uae is ready to make every effort to make the figures go even higher. The main focus of Uae investments in Russia is economic diversification. The Gulf state is seeking a diversified economic portfolio, different from the traditional focus on oil and gas.

3. Uae ready to facilitate more Russia-Ukraine prisoner exchanges

The Uae is also interested in facilitating more Russia-Ukraine prisoner exchanges. Since the beginning of 2024, Uae mediation efforts have helped in nine such exchanges. In a recent development, the country helped in the release of 190 prisoners.

The total number of captives exchanged through Uae mediation has reached 2,184. In its statement, the Emirati foreign ministry thanked both Russia and Ukraine for their cooperation that has contributed to the success of the exchanges despite multiple challenges.

4. Uae-Russia relations are qualitatively developing

Historically, the Uae and Russia shared a relatively modest bilateral partnership, characterised by cautious political engagement and limited economic interactions. But things have been changing for the better over the past 20 years.

In the recent past, both countries recognise mutual benefits in closer cooperation in different sectors. The Uae-Russia economic cooperation spans across multiple industries such as energy, infrastructure and logistics, agriculture, and technology and innovation.

5. Russia helping Uae achieve the dream of Sheikh Zayed

In his speech, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed noted a development that “has left a mark in the heart of every Emirati.” Russia has made a great contribution to achieving the dream of Sheikh Zayed, the founding father of the Uae.

The dream’s to send a Uae cosmonaut into space. Hazza al Mansouri became the first Emirati cosmonaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS). He boarded a Russian spacecraft to achieve success, making global headlines at the time.