President of UAE Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has reiterated the UAE’s commitment to de-escalation and a negotiated political solution to the crisis in Ukraine.Sheikh Mohamed made the call during a working visit to St. Petersburg, Russia, where he met with President Vladimir Putin.
The two leaders discussed the longstanding relations between the UAE and Russia, and expressed their ongoing commitment to further build on the bilateral ties.Sheikh Mohamed stressed the importance of accelerating efforts to mitigate the humanitarian repercussions of the crisis in Ukraine, and supporting prisoner-exchange initiatives on both sides.
He also called for communication and dialogue to support regional and international stability and peace.The UAE President was accompanied during the working visit by a delegation including Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, and Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Al Jaber.
The visit comes as part of the UAE’s continuous communication with all nations in an effort to build bridges and foster positive partnerships to ensure regional and international security and stability. The visit of Sheikh Mohamed to Russia is a significant one, as it comes at a time of heightened tensions between Russia and the West over the crisis in Ukraine.
Moreover, the UAE is currently participating in the four-day St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2023) as a ‘Guest of Honour.’ The UAE’s high-level delegation, composed of representatives from various ministries, institutions, government agencies, and major national companies, is actively involved in discussing key economic issues concerning Russia, emerging markets, and the global landscape.
The UAE’s call for dialogue and diplomacy is a positive step forward, and it is hoped that the meeting between Sheikh Mohamed and President Putin will yield progress in resolving the Ukraine crisis. This visit also underscores the significance of the UAE-Russia strategic partnership, which has long-standing cooperation in trade, investment, and security matters. The UAE’s continued engagement with Russia plays a vital role in ensuring regional stability and fostering mutual understanding.