Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation, held yesterday talks about ways to enhance bilateral ties of co-operation and friendship.

Sheikh Mohamed and President Putin also exchanged views on the latest regional and international developments, and issues of common concern.

He is visiting Moscow to attend the International Aviation and Space Show, MAKS 2015.

During the meeting, President Putin welcomed Sheikh Mohamed and thanked him for attending the show. He also expressed his satisfaction at meeting Sheikh Mohamed and the accompanying delegation to discuss growing bilateral relations between the two friendly countries.

"I'm very happy to seize this opportunity to discuss regional issues and bilateral relations with you," President Putin said.

About acceptance of the visit by Sheikh Mohammed to attend the show, he said, "It is so exciting for you being a professional pilot."

On his part, Sheikh Mohamed thanked President Putin for inviting him to attend this special international event to keep pace, along with other guests, with the latest civil and military aviation technologies. He expressed his admiration at the professionalism of the Russian pilots during the parade. Sheikh Mohamed expressed his satisfaction at visiting Russia and meeting with Putin. He conveyed the regards of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to President Putin and his wishes for more progress of the friendly people of Russia.

He underlined the interest of the UAE to further develop bilateral relations with Russia in all fields in a way that serves interest of both sides.

"Bilateral relations have grown in recent years, thanks to the support of leaders from both countries who cherish a comprehensive vision for the future of our relations, especially in the areas of economy, industry, trade and investment through empowering competent institutions in both countries to discharge their duties in this respect," Sheikh Mohamed said.

He noted that the UAE, led by Sheikh Khalifa, and in accordance with its foreign policy, aims to establish better ties with friendly countries and strengthen co-operation with Russia to build a better future for political, economic, investment, trade and energy relations that serve both countries.

They also reviewed the existing co-operation in all fields and ways to bolster them, especially in the economic, investment and energy sectors.

Sheikh Mohamed and Putin also reviewed the efforts being exerted to settle the Syrian conflict and to come up with a solution that ends the suffering of the Syrians in line with their aspirations to ensure the security and stability of the country and the region as well.

The two sides discussed political and security issues, as well as views on counter-terrorism, safeguarding regional peace and security, and backing the legitimate government of Yemen to enable it to play its social and developmental role.

The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy National Security Advisor, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister and a number of officials.

It was also attended by Lt. General Hammad Mubarak Al Shamsi, Chief of State Security Department, Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Deputy Secretary General of the Supreme National Security Council, Khaldoun Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Executive Affairs Authority and Omer Saif Ghobash, the UAE Ambassador to Russia.

While on the Russian side, the meeting was attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Russian Minister of Trade and Industry, Denis Manturov, President Vladimir Putin's foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov, Director of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Alexander Fomin and other Russian dignitaries.
Source: WAM