SPIEF 2023: Sheikh Mohamed holds talks with Putin in St Petersburg, seeks stronger ties

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke of his wish for a calmer world during a meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Friday.

The UAE president is leading a delegation to St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), often called the ‘Russian Davos’.

The annual four-day economic showcase opened Wednesday. It once used to draw scores of politicians and investors, but has now been boycotted twice by the West due to the invasion.

His Highness Calls For Dialogue And Diplomacy In Meeting

Sheikh Mohamed stressed that the Emirates was open to playing a role in helping to ease tensions, in particular over the brutal conflict.

He took to Twitter to reiterate that global peace was the goal, highlighting UAE’s support for “all efforts aimed at reaching a political solution through dialogue and diplomacy.”

The participation of the Mideast nation as a guest country at the SPIEF 2023 is an important step in bolstering economic, trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.

Bilateral Relations Between UAE And Russia

Speaking at the event, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov noted the special nature of Russian-Emirati relations, based on the principles of mutual respect and trust.

Sheikh Mohamed and his Russian counterpart reiterated their ongoing commitment to further build on the bilateral relations between the two countries, a WAM report mentioned.

Highlighting the recent growth in tourism between both, the UAE president stressed the importance of ties between the countries’ public and private sectors.

Putin Thanks UAE For Its Noteworthy Efforts

Meanwhile, Putin called the Emirates “a very good and amenable partner for us,” noting the figures on growth in trade volume and economic ties between the two “are impressive”.

In his opening remarks at the talks, the Russian leader thanked UAE for its efforts to address humanitarian issues, including the exchange of prisoners, during the events in Ukraine.

The visit comes as part of the Emirates’ continuous communication with all countries in an effort to foster positive partnerships to ensure security and stability across the globe.

It comes following a working visit to Belgrade, Serbia, on Thursday where Sheikh Mohamed met with President Aleksandar Vucic to review relations and discuss regional as well as international developments.

Russia Is Part Of The Global Economy

“We are certainly not isolated … There are no gaps due to sanctions.

“If some sectors are closed, others automatically open up,” state-owned news agency TASS quoted Russian Presidential Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov as saying in an interview with Channel One.

In an interview with CGTN TV channel, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov earlier said Russia is part of the global economy and will continue to follow this trend, adjusting only a handful of directions.

Nothing can be done if relations with some countries worsen, he mentioned, adding Russia will expand its trade and investment with others.