MOSCOW: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan held talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Thursday, where the two leaders discussed enhancing bilateral relations and signed new agreements aimed at deepening economic cooperation, the Emirates News Agency reported.

Meeting at the Kremlin, Sheikh Mohamed and Putin reviewed the progress of UAE-Russia ties, particularly in trade, investment, space, and energy.

They also exchanged views on regional and international developments, with both sides expressing support for diplomatic efforts to strengthen peace and stability, including in the Middle East.

The talks also covered the upcoming Russia-Arab summit, set to take place in October, and efforts to promote a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Sheikh Mohamed thanked Russia for facilitating the UAE’s mediation in a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine involving over 4,000 detainees.

Putin, in turn, expressed appreciation for the UAE’s role and reiterated Russia’s commitment to growing ties, especially in the economic sphere.

The visit included the signing of a Trade in Services and Investment Agreement (TISIA) between the two countries.

UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi and Russian Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov signed the deal, which builds on the broader Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and the Eurasian Economic Union.

In addition, a memorandum of understanding on land transport cooperation was signed by UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Mohamed Al-Mazrouei and Russian Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin.

Sheikh Mohamed’s delegation included several senior UAE ministers and officials. Following the talks, he departed Moscow with a formal send-off that included a military escort through Russian airspace.