Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday held talks with President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, at the Kremlin, reaffirming the strength of bilateral ties and cooperation on regional and international issues.
Speaking during the meeting, Putin noted that 2026 marks 55 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and the UAE, describing relations between the two countries as a comprehensive and dynamically developing strategic partnership.
He said political dialogue between Moscow and Abu Dhabi has been firmly established across governments, parliaments and ministries, as well as among business communities, with productive cooperation also taking place within multilateral frameworks, including the United Nations.
Putin described the UAE as Russia’s key trading partner in the Arab world, noting steady growth in bilateral trade. He highlighted the work of the Russia–UAE intergovernmental commission, which held its most recent meeting in Dubai last month, alongside the first Russia–UAE Business Forum.
Investment cooperation remains strong, he said, with the Russian Direct Investment Fund and Mubadala Investment Company having implemented more than 60 joint projects.
Cooperation in technology and industry is expanding, including the growing presence of Russian technology company Yandex in the UAE and joint initiatives in the energy sector.
Humanitarian cooperation also featured prominently, with Putin noting the successful hosting of Russian Culture Days in the UAE and a rise in Russian tourism. He said 1.5 million Russians visited the UAE in the first nine months of 2025, representing an 18 percent increase compared to the previous year.
The Russian president said cooperation in education and science is developing steadily, pointing to the operation of Russian educational institutions in the UAE and plans to establish a Russian university and a youth science park under the Sirius Centre.
On international issues, Putin said Russia and the UAE maintain close coordination, including on the Ukrainian crisis. He expressed appreciation for the UAE’s role in facilitating humanitarian exchanges and hosting recent security-related negotiations in Abu Dhabi.
The leaders also discussed developments in the Middle East, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Putin reiterated that the establishment of a Palestinian state living in peace and security alongside Israel remains essential for long-term regional stability.
The talks followed earlier discussions held in Moscow in August 2025, during which both sides outlined plans to further expand bilateral cooperation. (GSF)
