UAE and Russia sign major cooperation agreements during presidential talks

President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Thursday to discuss deepening strategic cooperation and address regional and global developments, WAM reported.

Held at the Kremlin as part of Sheikh Mohamed’s official visit, the meeting covered a wide range of shared priorities including trade, investment, space, energy, and emerging sectors. Both leaders affirmed their commitment to advancing long-standing ties built on mutual respect and more than five decades of engagement.

The two leaders also exchanged views on global and regional issues, with Sheikh Mohamed reiterating the UAE’s commitment to peace, stability, and diplomacy. Discussions also touched on the upcoming Russia-Arab Summit in October, which both sides see as an opportunity to boost cooperation with the Arab world.

A key topic of discussion was the ongoing UAE-mediated prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, involving over 4,000 individuals. Sheikh Mohamed expressed appreciation for Russia’s support in the process and reaffirmed the UAE’s readiness to continue facilitating humanitarian efforts. President Putin, in turn, welcomed the UAE President and praised the country’s mediation role and growing bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic and investment spheres.

The visit also saw the signing of several cooperation agreements. The UAE and Russia formalized a Trade in Services and Investment Agreement (TISIA), aimed at boosting collaboration in fintech, healthcare, logistics, professional services, and more. The agreement complements the UAE’s broader Economic Partnership Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union.

In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the two countries to enhance cooperation in land transport.

Sheikh Mohamed was received at the Kremlin with a ceremonial welcome, including the playing of national anthems and greetings from senior officials. He was accompanied by a high-level UAE delegation comprising ministers and key advisers, while senior Russian officials also attended the talks.

At the end of the visit, Sheikh Mohamed departed Moscow with military aircraft escorting his plane through Russian airspace.