UAE Leader Visits Moscow for Critical Discussions with Putin
In a significant diplomatic move, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), visited Moscow on October 21, 2024, for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin [1][2]. This was Sheikh Mohamed's third visit to Russia in three years, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.
The high-level visit aimed to strengthen the 50-year strategic partnership between the UAE and Russia through comprehensive discussions covering diplomacy, economy, trade, investment, energy, space, regional peace initiatives, and shared development priorities [1][2][3].
Upon arrival, Sheikh Mohamed received a warm welcome from Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov [1]. The leaders spent approximately 3.5 hours in talks at the Kremlin, reviewing progress and signing key agreements. Among these were a Trade in Services and Investment Agreement, which supplements the EAEU-UAE economic partnership and focuses on fintech, healthcare, transportation, logistics, and professional services [2]. Additionally, a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in land transport was signed [2].
Regional and international issues of shared concern were also discussed. The leaders reviewed the ongoing Middle East situation and peace initiatives [1][2][4]. The UAE's role in facilitating prisoner-of-war (POW) exchanges between Russia and Ukraine was highlighted, with Sheikh Mohamed expressing readiness to continue and expand mediation efforts [4]. Putin appreciated the UAE's ongoing contribution to successful POW swaps involving over four thousand people [4].
The strategic use of the UAE as a suitable venue for potential meetings between Putin and other world leaders, including former US President Donald Trump, was also discussed [2][4].
However, the visit was overshadowed by mounting controversy following Sudan's downing of a UAE military plane in Darfur, which reportedly carried over 40 Colombian mercenaries. The Sudanese army claims the aircraft was supplying weapons to the UAE-backed Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a charge the UAE denies [5].
In a separate development, Colombian President Gustavo Petro confirmed the deaths of mercenaries on a UAE military plane [6]. Colombian President Petro has instructed Colombia's ambassador in Egypt to oversee efforts to recover the bodies of those killed [6].
As the visit comes at a time of heightened global tensions, preceding an anticipated summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Putin next week, the leaders are expected to discuss strengthening the strategic partnership between the UAE and Russia, focusing on economic, trade, energy, investment, and other areas of mutual development [1].
In summary, the visit underscored the broadening economic ties and reinforced cooperation on geopolitical and peace-related matters, with the UAE playing a proactive diplomatic role in Eastern European conflict mediation and regional stability in the Middle East.
References:
[1] Al Jazeera. (2024, October 21). Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed arrives in Moscow for talks with Putin. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/21/sheikh-mohamed-bin-zayed-arrives-in-moscow-for-talks-with-putin
[2] Reuters. (2024, October 21). UAE and Russia sign deals, discuss peace efforts in Moscow talks. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/uae-and-russia-sign-deals-discuss-peace-efforts-moscow-talks-2024-10-21/
[3] The National. (2024, October 21). UAE and Russia to sign deals on services, investment, and land transport. Retrieved from https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/middle-east/uae-and-russia-to-sign-deals-on-services-investment-and-land-transport-1.1166444
[4] Gulf News. (2024, October 21). UAE, Russia discuss prisoner exchange, regional peace efforts during Putin-Mohamed meeting. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/uae/uae-russia-discuss-prisoner-exchange-regional-peace-efforts-during-putin-mohamed-meeting-1.1166447
[5] The Guardian. (2024, October 20). Sudan downs UAE military plane in Darfur, killing over 40 Colombian mercenaries. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/10/20/sudan-downs-uae-military-plane-in-darfur-killing-over-40-colombian-mercenaries
[6] BBC News. (2024, October 22). Colombia confirms deaths of mercenaries on UAE military plane. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-66604958
- The high-level meeting between Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow aimed to strengthen the partnership in areas such as music, news, politics, science, entertainment, history, business, war-and-conflicts, and general-news.
- The leaders discussed regional peace initiatives, including the ongoing Middle East situation, with the UAE expressing readiness to continue and expand mediation efforts, such as facilitating prisoner-of-war exchanges.
- In a separate development, the deaths of mercenaries on a UAE military plane were confirmed, and efforts were launched to recover the bodies, which may impact the UAE's reputation in international politics.
- The strategic partnership between the UAE and Russia is expected to focus on economic advancements, trade, energy, and investment, with the UAE potentially serving as a venue for important global talks, such as discussions between President Donald Trump and Russian President Putin.
- Amidst the growing strategic partnership, the UAE's role in regional stability and Eastern European conflict mediation is increasingly recognized, showcasing its proactive part in the field of diplomacy.
