Overchuk calls UAE one of Russia's main partners in the Middle East

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of Russia's main partners in the Middle East, and cooperation between the two countries is actively expanding. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk said this on November 28 at a reception on the occasion of the celebration of the 53rd National Day of the UAE.

"The United Arab Emirates is one of Russia's main partners in the Middle East and in the modern world in general. <...> We are reaching new frontiers in the oil and gas industry, in the spheres of trade, investment, industry, space, culture, education and tourism," Overchuk said.

He noted that Moscow and Abu Dhabi have almost no areas in which the two countries would not work together. Deputy Prime Minister separately noted the contribution to the development of cooperation between the countries brought by UAE Ambassador to Russia Mohammed Al Jaber. Overchuk congratulated the residents of the Arab state on the national holiday, wishing the UAE constant progress and prosperity, and the relations between Moscow and Abu Dhabi - progressive development, which will serve the well-being of the peoples of the two countries.

Earlier, on November 15, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov paid a working visit to Abu Dhabi and held talks with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Ministers discussed topical issues of bilateral relations between Moscow and Abu Dhabi, reaffirming the intention to build up multifaceted mutually beneficial cooperation. In addition, the foreign ministers are confident that the UAE's accession to BRICS as a full member will strengthen the association.

Prior to that, on October 20, Putin met with Al Nahyan at the Novo-Ogaryovo residence near Moscow and said that Moscow and Abu Dhabi successfully cooperate in trade, mutual investments, tourist exchanges, humanitarian projects and education. The two countries are fully implementing their agreements.