UAE, Russia cement ties

ABU DHABI (WAM) — Strengthened partnership in security and trade was provided under an agreement signed recently between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Russian Federation.

UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov sealed the agreement during the 9th meeting of the UAE-Russia joint committee, which was held in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Addressing the meeting, Abdullah stated the meeting is complementing previous agreements and comes as an extension of the strategic partnership announced by both countries during the landmark trip made by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to Moscow in June 2018.

“The 9th meeting of the joint committee holds a special significance as it precedes a historic state visit by Russian President Vladmir Putin to the UAE on 15th October, which underscores the depth of bilateral ties across the political, economic, cultural, social and scientific spheres,’’ Abdullah said.

“To maintain the momentum of the flourishing ties, we are cooperating to ensure stability in the region and are working together to counter and confront all forms of the extremist ideology,” the UAE official said, highlighting the rapid growth in bilateral relations in areas of trade, tourism, military cooperation and space sciences.

“I would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to the Russian Minister and the Russian firms, especially the Russian space agency, Roscosmos, for advancing our space partnership which culminated in the first space mission and the launch of the first Emirati astronaut into the International Space Station last month. We are all proud of Hazzaa Al Mansoori and happy that these moments will live forever in the memory of the Emirati people, especially the youth,’’ Abdullah indicated.