The Kremlin announced today, Monday, that Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed bilateral relations, the situation in Ukraine, and Gaza in a phone call with the President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
In a statement, it was mentioned: "Issues regarding the continued development of friendly Russian-UAE relations were discussed following the visit of the President of the Russian Federation to the United Arab Emirates on December 6, 2023."
The statement added: "Against the backdrop of the ongoing military confrontation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict area, steps to provide additional humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip were discussed. The principled position of Russia and the UAE supporting an early ceasefire and the resumption of the political process to achieve a long-term and just solution to the Palestinian issue based on internationally recognized legal foundations was reaffirmed."
The Kremlin emphasized that "during the exchange of views on the situation in Ukraine, President Putin thanked the Emirati side for its assistance in mediating the exchange of prisoners." It continued: "The details of the terrorist attack carried out by the Kyiv regime on January 24 against a Russian Il-76 aircraft carrying Ukrainian prisoners of war were also discussed. The interest of Russia in conducting an international investigation into this crime was confirmed."
The Russian president had conducted working visits to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, during which he addressed the Palestinian settlement issue as well as the prospects for continuing multifaceted cooperation between Russia and the United Arab Emirates, and between Russia and Saudi Arabia, along with several current international and regional issues.
