The President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, visited Moscow for an official meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the upcoming BRICS summit. The highly anticipated summit, set to take place in Kazan, Russia, from October 22-24, will bring together leaders from across the BRICS nations.
Strengthening UAE-Russia Bilateral Relations
Sheikh Mohamed’s visit to Russia marks an important milestone in UAE-Russia relations, which have seen significant growth in recent years. According to UAE state news agency WAM, the UAE President attended a special dinner hosted in his honor by President Putin at the latter’s official residence in Moscow. The two leaders discussed ways to enhance their bilateral ties and build upon the strategic partnership between the two countries.
During their meeting, President Putin praised Sheikh Mohamed for his continuous efforts in advancing relations between the UAE and Russia, stating, “Sheikh Mohamed has played a key role in bolstering our nations’ ties, taking them to the level of a strategic partnership.”
Economic Cooperation Thrives
The economic partnership between the UAE and Russia has witnessed remarkable growth. In 2023, the trade volume between the two nations reached approximately $9.5 billion, with projections indicating that it could reach $10 billion by the end of 2024. Over the past three years, trade between the two countries has tripled, highlighting the strength of their economic cooperation.
Russia’s primary exports to the UAE include gold and broadcasting equipment, showcasing the diverse range of goods exchanged between the two countries. Both nations are also working together in key sectors such as energy, agriculture, and technology, further solidifying their economic relationship.
UAE Joins BRICS Bloc
Sheikh Mohamed’s visit to Russia comes just before the BRICS summit in Kazan, where the UAE will make its first appearance as an official member of the bloc. Earlier this year, the UAE joined the BRICS group, along with other nations such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Iran. The addition of these countries to the bloc is expected to reshape the global geopolitical landscape.
The BRICS summit will be an opportunity for Sheikh Mohamed to engage with other global leaders and discuss crucial topics, including economic development, geopolitical stability, and future cooperation within the bloc.
With the UAE’s growing influence on the international stage and its ever-deepening relationship with Russia, this visit underscores the importance of continued collaboration between the two nations as they move towards stronger strategic and economic partnerships.
