UAE President Sheikh Mohamed held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday during a visit to Saint Petersburg.
State news agency Wam said Sheikh Mohamed "emphasised the UAE's policy of supporting peace and stability and called for the continuation of serious consultations to resolve the Ukrainian crisis, regardless of how difficult or complex it may be".
"By engaging in dialogue, negotiation, and diplomatic mechanisms, a political settlement can be reached that will achieve international peace and security," Wam added.
The two leaders met at the Constantine Palace in Strelna, outside Russia's second city.
Sheikh Mohamed "pointed out the importance of continuing to make unremitting efforts to search for political solutions to crises and tensions and to find a suitable ground for all parties to dialogue", Wam said.
They further "discussed various aspects of UAE-Russian relations," Wam added.
Sheikh Mohamed briefs Putin on Ukraine's position
A later readout from Wam read as follows:
"President Putin provided a detailed brief to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed on the situation at the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant and on Russia's efforts to maintain nuclear security.
"For his part, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed said that UAE is continuing to monitor the situation at the plant.
"The UAE has played a key role in the prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine. President Putin expressed Russia's appreciation for the UAE's efforts, noting that they are a testament to its readiness to support mediation efforts.
"For his part, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed briefed the Russian President on the Ukrainian side's position on a number of issues.
Earlier, the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation said stressed its support for finding “a peaceful solution to the crisis in Ukraine, reiterating its position calling for diplomacy, dialogue and respect for the rules and principles of international law”.
Sheikh Mohamed also visited Belgrade on Monday to meet President Aleksander Vucic.
He attended an official reception ceremony at the Serbian presidential palace, where the national anthems of the UAE and the Republic of Serbia were played.
Accompanied by Mr Vucic, he inspected a guard of honour. The two discussed bilateral relations.
President Sheikh Mohamed arrives in Russia for talks with Vladimir Putin
