UAE and Russia leaders strengthen bonds at economic council summit, as confirmed by Sheikh Khaled and President Putin.
Crown Prince Meets Putin in Minsk, Discusses UAE-Russia Ties
Abu Dhabi: The start of a new era for UAE-Russia relations was set today as Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Minsk, Belarus.
In a warm exchange, Sheikh Khaled passed on the greetings of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, accompanied by wishes for President Putin's good health and the continued prosperity of Russia and her people. In return, President Putin sent his heartfelt greetings to the President of the UAE, expressing his hopes for the country's ongoing success and development.
The two leaders discussed the lasting bond and strategic partnership between the United Arab Emirates and the Russian Federation, pledging to further solidify bilateral ties. They shared their views on a variety of regional and international matters of mutual interest, examining the key points on the Eurasian Economic Council's agenda, including the importance of championing global sustainable development goals to promote worldwide prosperity and well-being.
The ongoing friendship between these nations dates back to the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 1992. Fueled by shared interests, the partnership has expanded significantly in recent years, touching upon various sectors such as energy, technology, and infrastructure.
The latest milestone in the relationship came on June 27, 2025, with the signing of a free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the UAE. This agreement aims to increase bilateral trade and deepen economic cooperation, providing concrete benefits for both nations.
One of the most significant examples of this cooperation can be seen in the energy sector, where Russia's state nuclear company Rosatom has collaborated with UAE firms on nuclear technology. This collaboration includes multibillion-dollar contracts signed in 2024, underscoring the growing mutual trust between the two nations.
In addition to cultivating ties with Russia while maintaining its strategic partnership with the US, the UAE has demonstrated its ability to serve as a diplomatic mediator in the region. This has included facilitating Russia-Iran nuclear discussions.
Looking ahead, Russia announced the forthcoming Russia-Arab summit scheduled for October 2025, which will serve as a broader platform to strengthen cooperation between Russia and Arab states, with the UAE playing a pivotal role. The UAE President is expected to visit Russia in August 2025 prior to this summit, signaling the continuation of high-level engagements and discussions.
Plans for renewable energy projects are a significant part of the cooperation agenda, with Russia seeking the UAE's expertise in solar and hydrogen sectors, working together to address global energy transition goals and strive toward net-zero emissions.
It is projected that the signing of the free trade agreement will lead to a 20% increase in trade between GCC countries, including the UAE, and non-Western blocs like the EAEU, over the next ten years. This growth is predicted to be driven primarily by demand for energy, technology, and infrastructure investment.
Furthermore, additional agreements on free trade zones with countries like Indonesia and Mongolia are planned to be concluded in 2025, indicating Russia's resolve to diversify its economic partnerships.
In conclusion, the meeting in Minsk reflects a renewed commitment from both leaders to strengthen economic, energy, and geopolitical ties between the United Arab Emirates and Russia. With landmark trade agreements in place and upcoming summits on the horizon, the cooperation between these two nations is poised for significant expansion in the coming years, especially in the fields of diversified energy collaboration and broader regional engagement.
In light of the meeting between Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and President Putin, it is anticipated that the health of both nations will benefit from the increased cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and Russia, as discussed points included the importance of championing global sustainable development goals to promote worldwide prosperity and well-being. Moreover, this renewed partnership promises a significant increase in news about the bilateral ties between the UAE and Russia in political general-news.
