UAE and Russia discuss bilateral interests

We must stop blame game and work for Syria peace, says Abdullah

3 Feb 2016

Abu Dhabi: His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, received visiting Foreign Minister of Russia, Sergei Lavrov, and members of his delegation, on Tuesday at Al Bahr Palace.

They discussed UAE-Russian bilateral relations and ways of bolstering and promoting them in light of the excellent ties and common interests of the two countries.

They called on all Syrian opposition parties to take part in peace talks in Geneva to reach a political solution to the crisis and stem the bloodshed of Syrian civilians.

Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, told a press conference with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, there should be an international and Arab consensus on bringing an end to the Syrian crisis. ‘We should put our differences aside and stop blaming one another,” Shaikh Abdullah said, stressing that the Syrian ordeal was getting worse by the day.

When asked about the situation in Syria, Shaikh Abdullah said that it is an issue of vital concern for all. “We should remember that we have reached this point for several reasons. There have been many opportunities to solve the problem earlier. Today, the situation is more complicated and the number of casualties have increased dramatically.”

Shaikh Abdullah said that there is an agreement between the UAE and Russia to help resolve the crisis in Syria through the Geneva 3 negotiations, which are currently taking place in Switzerland. “It is imperative that countries, despite their conflicting stances, should work together to help resolve the Syrian and other crises in the region,” he said. Both ministers urged the Syrian opposition to participate in the ongoing Geneva 3 talks to reach a deal and stop the bloodshed.

“The Vienna talks helped renew hopes of finding a solution to the Syrian crisis, and an agreement was reached to resume with the Geneva 3 conference…Here, it’s important to stress the significance of collaboration, internationally and between Arab countries, to help the Syrian nation come out of its crisis and put an end to its misery…We need to put our differences aside and not blame one another,” he said.

Lavrov said his country agreed that representatives from two Syrian militant groups can participate in Geneva talks on an “individual basis”. He, however, explained the move does not mean that Russia recognises the Army of Islam and Ahrar Al Sham.

Omar Saif Ghobash, Ambassador of the UAE to Russia, Alexander Efimov, Russian Ambassador to the UAE, as well as members of the Russian delegation accompanied Minister Lavrov.