Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed 'proud' of friendship with Russia

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation praises joint efforts to combat extremism, boost the economy and develop space programmes

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Denis Manturov, Russian Minister of Industry and Trade, co-chaired the UAE-Russia Joint Committee in Abu DhabiShow more

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed said Russian President Vladimir Putin's "historic" visit will cement joint efforts to boost global prosperity, combat extremism and explore space.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation praised the flourishing friendship between the two nations during a meeting of the UAE-Russia Joint Committee in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Sheikh Abdullah said the meeting, which he co-chaired with Denis Manturov, Russian Minister of Industry and Trade, held a "special significance" due to Mr Putin's impending arrival in the UAE capital.

''We are co-operating to ensure stability in the region and working together to counter and confront all forms of the extremist ideology,'' said Sheikh Abdullah.

The Russian leader will arrive in Abu Dhabi from Saudi Arabia on Tuesday with a delegation of ministers, trade representatives and officials.

During his trip to the UAE - his first since 2007 - he will hold talks with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Sheikh Abdullah thanked Russia for its crucial support in helping the UAE's first astronaut, Hazza Al Mansouri, reach the stars.

Maj Al Mansouri spent eight days aboard the International Space Station after receiving extensive training for his mission from Roscosmos, Russia's space agency.

''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 Mansouri and happy that these moments will live forever in the memory of the Emirati people, especially the youth.''

Sheikh Abdullah said Russia and the UAE will continue to work closely in a range of fields, such as the energy and oil sectors to promote "world economy growth and prosperity".

He said tourism between the countries has surged since an entry visa waiver agreement was made.

''The UAE is expecting an important historic visit by President Putin, whose outcomes will encourage us to exert more efforts to serve our mutual interests,'' Sheikh Abdullah said.

'We are proud to see Russia as a strategic partner and friend to the UAE."

Mr Manturov said the UAE is a key trading partner for Russia and looked forward to the country playing its part in Expo 2020 Dubai.

''We appreciate the mutual confidence, constructive dialogue and joint framework through which leaders in our countries are working through,'' he said.

''We are looking forward to participate in Expo 2020 in Dubai which will further our distinguished bilateral ties,'' Mr Manturov said.