Vladimir Putin in the UAE (Update)

The Russian President has touched down in the Presidential Terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Vladimir Putin arrived from Saudi Arabia at 12.40pm aboard an Ilyushin 96 - the pride of the Russian fleet.

Russian President Vladimir Putin disembarked the Ilyushin 96 to a warm welcome from the UAE.

A red carpet led Mr Putin from the plane, where he was greeted by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

It is the president's second time in the UAE, having last visited in 2007.

The pair will now head to Qasr Al Watan for a meeting.

A convoy consisting of at least 10 cars, and flanked with police vehicles, is leading Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Russian President Vladimir Putin down Khaleej Al Arabi to Qasr Al Watan.

The two leaders are due to discuss a variety of issues including ways to expand economic ties - particularly through the partnership between Mubadala and the Russian Direct Investment Fund, which has helped 45 projects in Russia across defence, energy and aviation.

"Of all the Gulf countries, we [Russia and UAE] have the highest level of trade, $1.7 billion (Dh6.2bn), but of course, this is not enough, we are well aware of that, so currently, we are working with the UAE’s sovereign fund [Mubadala]," said Mr Putin in an interview with state news agency, Wam, this week.

************************************************************

Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Putin arrive at Qasr Al Watan

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Russian President Vladimir Putin have arrived at Qasr Al Watan.

The pair were brought to the palace in a convoy of more than a dozen vehicles with helicopters circling overhead.

Mr Putin was given an official welcoming reception, complete with a cavalcade carrying the flags of both countries and a canonsalute.

Overhead, the Al Forsan Aerobatics team displayed the colours of the Russian flag.

In the courtyard, Mr Putin was greeted by an honour guard and a traditional Emirati troupe performing an ayala. School children waving the flags of both countries walked behind them as they entered the palace and greeted the Emirati and Russian delegations.

The pair will meet now to discuss issues of mutual interest.

They are expected to sign 10 investment deals worth more than $1 billion, according to Russia's sovereign wealth fund.

Mr Putin started by thanking Sheikh Mohamed for inviting him to the UAE, saying he was pleased to visit the Emirates again.

"During my short trip form the airport I was able to see the high level of development of this good country."

He said the relationship between the UAE and Russia had grown positively, particularly after the signing of the declaration of strategic partnership in Moscow last year.

Mr Putin pointed to the strong level of communication between both countries, saying the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation and Ministers of Defence from the UAE and Russia were in constant contact.

He also congratulated the UAE on sending the first Emirati astronaut to the ISS and said Russia would continue to support the country's space ambitions.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed told of the strong, strategic and brotherly relationship between the UAE and Russia, during a meeting held at Qasr Al Watan.

He thanked Russia for its part in the UAE's successful space mission, in which the first Emirati astronaut was sent to the International Space Station aboard a Soyuz rocket after months of training with Roscosmos. 

"I hope this visit will have a deep effect to enhance the strategic relationship between our countries ... and lead to further opportunities for each country," Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.

************************************************************************************

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed described Moscow as a second home, during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces gave a statement during a meeting with Mr Putin and his accompanying delegation at Qasr Al Watan on Tuesday.

Sheikh Mohamed thanked Mr Putin for his visit, saying it would deepen the bilateral strategic relations that bind the two countries.

"The relations between the two countries are historic and the fruitful results have become obvious because of the current co-operation between us in all fields, which is proven by economic data," Sheikh Mohamed said.

"I am very pleased to see my brother and friend after more than a year since our last meeting in Moscow.

"Moscow is my second home and I would like to thank you again for your warm welcome during my visit."

He said the UAE "highly prioritises its brotherly and strategic relations with Russia" and called for them to be further strengthened.

Sheikh Mohamed thanked Russia for hosting the Aqdar World Summit last month and for its support for the UAE space mission that sent the first Emirati astronaut, Hazza Al Mansouri, to the International Space Station.

He said that support helped "fulfil the ambition of Founding Father Sheikh Zayed.

"Dear brother and friend, again I would like to welcome you and your honorable accompanying delegation and I hope your visit will have a great impact and present a quantum leap in our strategic partnership. I look forward to our future meetings."  

The UAE and Russia have signed an agreement to boost air traffic to different cities within the two countries following a round of aviation talks at the Sheikh Zayed Air Navigation Centre in Abu Dhabi.

The two countries signed a preliminary agreement following the discussions and intend to hold a new round of talks in the first half of 2020 in St Petersburg, according to the UAE's state news agency Wam.

"The UAE is also keen to expand tourism and trade links by strengthening air transport services with all countries of the world," the agency said.

************************************************************

President Vladimir Putin told of the close contact and consistent political dialogue between the UAE and Russia, during a meeting with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, on Tuesday.

At Qasr Al Watan, in front of delegations from both sides, Mr Putin said bilateral relations between Russian and the UAE were developing in a "friendly and constructive atmosphere".

"Our trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian relations are expanding. We will intensively co-ordinate to discuss global and regional issues, starting with the situations in Syria, Libya, Yemen and the Arabian Gulf."

He said the foreign affairs ministers for Russia and the UAE were in regular contact, as well as the Ministers of Defence. 

Mr Putin then outlined trade, the economy and investments as areas he hoped the two countries could strength co-operation in.

"We appreciate your personal support of the Russian Investment Fund and the UAE Mubadala for investing in Russia’s economy," he said.

"Investments are valued at $2.3 billion and we would like to say that your Russian partners are doing their best to ensure success of these investments as these exceed international rates."

Mr Putin reviewed the joint investments between the UAE and Russia, which include startups in the energy sector, using atomic energy for peaceful purposes, car manufacturing and oil.

He reiterated Russia's support of the UAE's space ambitions, congratulating the country on sending their first Emirati astronaut to the International Space Station.

The National