Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has discussed with Russian President Vladimir Putin, friendship and cooperation, and ways to strengthen them, as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern.

This came when President Putin received the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and accompanying delegation in Sochi city, Russia, yesterday.

While welcoming Sheikh Mohamed, President Putin said, "I'm pleased about your visit to this city. It is another chance to discuss the bilateral relations and the Middle East issues, especially the Syrian crisis."

On his part, Sheikh Mohamed expressed his satisfaction on meeting President Putin and discussing ways to bolster the relations in the best interest of the two countries. "While meeting with President Putin, we are looking forward to discussing cooperation between the two countries and tackling the current Middle East issues."

Sheikh Mohamed stressed that the UAE led by President Khalifa "is keen to build stronger relations with Russia that serve the interests of both countries and peoples, especially in the areas of economy, investment and trade."

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi conveyed the regards of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to President Putin and his best wishes to the friendly people of Russia to achieve more progress and prosperity.

President Putin asked Sheikh Mohamed to convey his regards to President Khalifa and his best wishes to the friendly people of the UAE to achieve more progress and prosperity.

They also discussed ways to strengthen the existing cooperation, focussing on the fast growing economic and investment sectors, which reflect the strong bonds of friendship and mutual interests that the leaders of both countries seek to promote.

The two sides tackled the latest regional and international developments of mutual concern, notably, the Syrian crisis, and visions of the two countries to address the humanitarian and political crisis, as well as the efforts being exerted to resolve the conflict.

The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy National Security Advisor, and H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed stressed the need for concerted international community responsibility and cooperation to put an end to the Syrian crisis that has claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of Syrians, displaced millions of innocent people, as well as caused the loss of years of human and economic development.

He said that the UAE does not spare any effort to back political solutions that would safeguard security and stability of Syria, as well as its territorial integrity.

They also reviewed during the meeting the situation in Yemen and plans of the Arab coalition to restore stability to the people and government of Yemen in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions.

Sheikh Mohamed and Putin exchanged views on the overall developments and issues of common interest.

The meeting was attended by Ali Mohammed Hammad Al Shamsi, Deputy Secretary-General of the Supreme National Security Council, Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Authority Affairs, and Omar Saif Ghobash, UAE Ambassador to the Russian Federation. On the Russian side, the meeting was attended by Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yuri Ushakov, Russian President's Foreign Affairs Adviser, Denis Manturov, Russian Minister of Trade and Industry, and a number of officials.
Source: WAM