Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday for a rare visit, UAE state media reported.
The Russian-run RIA Novosti reported on social media:
“Putin’s plane has landed in Abu Dhabi.”
Sheikh Mohamed accompanied Vladimir Putin to inspect the guard of honour and witness performances of the Russian Federation and UAE national anthems.
The official reception ceremony also included a 21-gun artillery salute in honour of the visit and a flypast by the UAE Air Force aerobatics team Al Fursan, trailing smoke in the colours of the Russian flag.
Trade and oil will be on the agenda in the UAE, which is “Russia’s main economic partner in the Arab world,” according to a statement issued by the Kremlin ahead of the visit. OPEC+ and energy cooperation will be a priority at talks.
Russian energy companies, including Lukoil (LKOH.MM), Gazprom (GAZP.MM) and Novatek (NVTK.MM), together with the national company of Abu Dhabi ADNOC, are implementing large joint projects.
Prospective projects will be discussed in almost all major industries: from car-making, civil aircraft construction, metallurgy to renewable energy, pharmaceuticals and digital technologies. Russian Direct Investment Fund is developing ties with Abu Dhabi-based Mubadala fund. The leaders will also discuss the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Last week, OPEC+ agreed to extend and deepen production cuts to bolster prices. While the alliance’s talks were marred by delays due to an internal disagreement between Saudi Arabia and Angola and Nigeria, officials from Moscow and Riyadh projected an image of close cooperation and mutual trust during the process.
