Abu Dhabi: HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE and the ruler of Abu Dhabi, is set to begin an official visit to Russia on 21st of October, where Sheikh Mohamed will engage in talks with Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation.
The leaders will focus on enhancing collaboration across various sectors, including the economy, trade, investment, and energy, as part of their strategic partnership. They are also expected to discuss regional and international issues of shared interest.
During his visit to Russia, Sheikh Mohamed will participate in the 16th BRICS Summit, taking place in Kazan from October 22 to 24. This will mark the UAE’s first participation in the summit as a member since joining the expanded bloc, which includes Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, and Argentina.
Originally consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS was established in 2009 to advocate for the interests of leading developing nations and is seen as an alternative to the G7.
Long-standing ties
Sheikh Mohamed’s visit to Russia aims to strengthen the long-standing ties between the two countries. HH previously met President Putin during a state visit to the UAE in December 2023, discussing mutual interests such as the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
The UAE is Russia’s largest trading partner in the Gulf, with trade between the nations reaching nearly $10 billion. Their relationship has been solidified through various meetings, including Sheikh Mohamed’s working visit to St. Petersburg last year.
This visit underscores the UAE’s commitment to strengthening international ties and addressing key global issues collaboratively with Russia.