Russia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov receives Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi

WAM -- Russia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov has received Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC) and her accompanying delegation, at the ministry. The UAE delegation is currently on a visit to Russia.

They discussed cooperation and the existing partnership between the UAE and Russia, which has been witnessing notable development in the investment, economic, tourist and cultural fields.

The two sides also confirmed the importance of the better relationship between the FNC and State Duma and the Federation Council to enhance ties in the light of the agreement to establish a parliamentary friendship committee between the two sides.

They also reviewed the developments in the Middle East and the international efforts to bring peace and security, particularly in a number of countries experiencing conflict, such as Yemen and Syria, besides the application of international resolutions related to regional issues, the need to fight terrorism and extremist groups with an emphasis on the importance of peaceful dialogue and negotiations in dealing with these various issues and respect for national sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of countries.

Present during the meeting were Abdulaziz Abdullah Al Zaabi, Second Deputy FNC Speaker, and the FNC members, Dr. Saeed Abdullah Al Mutawa, Jamal Mohammed Al Hai, Khalfan Abdullah bin Yokha, Afra Rashid Al Basti and Omar Saif Ghobash, UAE Ambassador to the Russian Federation.

The Russian minister said, ''We are satisfied at the growing development of these relations, which are dynamic and witnessing notable development and the fact that the leadership of the two countries is communicating directly."

He also praised the importance of his visit to the UAE in February 2016 and meeting with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

He asked Dr. Al Qubaisi to convey his greetings to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed. Lavrov welcomed Dr. Al Qubaisi and the FNC delegation, stressing that the visit, which included meetings with a number of officials, was a result of the strong ties between the leadership and governments of the two countries.

He also thanked the UAE for approving the establishment of the Russian Centre for Science and Culture, noting the two countries have a proactive relationship when it comes to supporting tolerance and dialogue among civilisations and religions.

Dr. Amal extended thanks and appreciation for the warm welcome accorded to her and her accompanying delegation during the visit, wishing that the efforts to strengthen the parliamentary ties would contribute to supporting official diplomacy in all domains.

She also reviewed the positive results achieved on issues that have been discussed in the framework of mutual parliamentary visits between the Federal National Council and the Russian Federation Council. She also pointed out that the UAE was one of the first countries that provided aid for Yemen and supported its stability and the integrity of its territories as well as the Yemenis' aspirations.

Dr. Al Qubaisi tackled the issue of three UAE Islands of Tunb Greater, Tunb Lesser and Abu Mousa, occupied by Iran, and the importance of Iran heeding the UAE's call for a peaceful solution to this issue or resorting to the International Court of Justice. She also emphasised the importance of supporting the efforts aimed to restore stability and security across the world. She also pointed out to the situation in the region and the devastating consequences of terrorism, which has no homeland or religion. She said, "We as Muslims reject killings in the name of Islam and there are agendas being pursued by terrorist groups that exploit the religion of Islam."

The Russian minister expressed his appreciation for the views presented by Dr. Amal Al Qubaisi. He also confirmed that dialogue is important as some sects and religions are trying to use religion to their advantage and recruit terrorists under the name of religion.

He said, "About 15 million Muslims are living in Russia for hundreds of years and Islam is the religion of justice."

WAM/Hazem/basher