7-12-2023 (ABU DHABI) Russian President Vladimir Putin, on his official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), met with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, where the leaders discussed various issues including bilateral relations, the conflict in Syria, the crisis in Ukraine, and the United Nations Climate Change Conference.
Putin’s visit was marked by the escort of four Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets, as his official plane landed in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. Kremlin spokesman Peskov, as reported by TASS, stated that Russia had obtained special permission to fly over certain countries during the journey. UAE Air Force aircraft escorted Putin’s plane into UAE airspace, according to the state news agency WAM.
Upon arrival, Putin received a warm welcome from high-ranking UAE officials, accompanied by a national aerobatic display team named “Emirates Knights.” WAM reported a 21-gun salute in honour of Putin. Bloomberg reported Putin stating that the relationship between Russia and the UAE is at an “unprecedented level,” with a focus on expanding economic ties between the two nations.
Russia’s MoD has published footage of President Putin’s airplane, escorted by Su-35 fighter jets en route to the UAE pic.twitter.com/oNo6v9wQ5h
— RT (@RT_com) December 6, 2023
In response, the UAE President expressed his satisfaction, stating, “I am pleased that we continue to work together to strengthen cooperation in various fields.” He noted the increased trade and investment between the two countries in non-oil sectors over the past few years. Putin commended the UAE’s decision to join the BRICS group of nations.
This marks Putin’s first visit to the oil-rich Middle East since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Despite global sanctions and efforts by the U.S. and Europe to punish the Kremlin through sanctions and arms support to Kyiv, Putin’s rare visit indicates continued global acceptance.
Following his UAE visit, Putin is scheduled to travel to Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed. Strengthening partnerships with these two oil giants is a priority for Moscow.
Last week, the OPEC+ alliance agreed to extend and increase production cuts to support oil prices. While negotiations within OPEC+ faced delays due to differences between Saudi Arabia and Angola, Nigeria, officials from Moscow and Riyadh displayed close cooperation and mutual trust.
Beyond oil, investment and trade are expected to be on the leaders’ agenda. Kirill Dmitriev, the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, stated that the fund aims to attract 1 trillion rubles (approximately 14.47 billion SGD) in investments from Saudi Arabia over the next two years. Dmitriev is part of Putin’s accompanying delegation on this diplomatic mission.
