Russia-UAE Relations Reach Unprecedented High Level - Putin

ABU DHABI (Sputnik) - Relations between Russia and the United Arab Emirates have reached an unprecedented high level, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.

"Today, thanks to your position, our relations have reached an unprecedented high level. You and I are in constant contact, and our colleagues constantly work with each other. And indeed the United Arab Emirates is Russia’s main trading partner in the Arab world," Putin said at a meeting with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The president added that during the meeting, they will discuss the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, as well as he will inform about the Ukrainian crisis.

Additionally, the Russian president invited the UAE counterpart to attend the BRICS summit in Kazan next year.

UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Wednesday praised the role of Russian President Vladimir Putin in the strengthening of relations between the countries.

"In recent years, relations between our countries have actively developed in various areas. I appreciate your personal effective role in strengthening bilateral relations. In this regard, I would like to say that the UAE is Russia’s largest trading partner and the largest investor among Arab countries in its economy," the president said at a meeting with Putin.

In 2022, non-oil trade between the two countries increased by almost 109%, he said, adding that "this unprecedented leap speaks of the special nature of the relationship between our countries."

"[The UAE] expects to continue to work together and develop cooperation with Russia in energy, infrastructure projects and advanced technologies," he added.