29.01.2026 19:01
U.S. President Donald Trump's statement that "a massive fleet is coming" towards Iran has escalated tensions in the Middle East, while a notable message came from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Hosting UAE President Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan at the Kremlin, Putin said, "We are closely monitoring the current developments on the Iran front together."
The President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, arrived in Moscow, the capital of Russia, for an official visit. Al Nahyan was welcomed by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin Palace during his meetings in Moscow.
"WE VALUE YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE MULTIFACETED DEVELOPING PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN OUR COUNTRIES"
During the ceremony where the national anthems of both countries were played, delegations were introduced to the leaders. Al Nahyan and Putin then proceeded to a bilateral meeting in the St. George Hall of the Kremlin Palace. The meeting included multifaceted Russia-UAE cooperation, the current situation in the Middle East, and international issues.
Speaking during the press conference portion of the meeting, Putin reminded that it was the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, stating, "We highly value your personal contributions to the advancement of the multifaceted, mutually beneficial, and dynamically developing Russia-UAE strategic partnership."
Putin reported that political dialogue has been established at the level of governments, parliaments, ministries, institutions, and even the business world, saying, "The UAE is our important trading partner in the Arab world. Bilateral trade is steadily growing and expanding. The intergovernmental commission is actively working. The Russia-UAE Business Forum was held for the first time. Investment cooperation is at a high level. The Russian Direct Investment Fund and the Mubadala Fund have implemented over 60 projects. Cooperation in technology and industry is at an advanced level. Our high-tech company Yandex is promoting its services in the UAE market. There are also significant initiatives in the energy sector," he stated.
"WE ARE PERSONALLY GRATEFUL TO YOU FOR THE INTEREST YOU SHOWED TO OUR DELEGATION DURING THE TRILATERAL MEETINGS IN ABU DHABI"
Addressing the UAE's efforts regarding the Ukraine war, its contributions to the exchange of prisoners, and its assistance in organizing various contacts in the UAE, Russian leader Putin said, "We are grateful for your efforts. We are personally grateful to you for facilitating the trilateral meetings held last week in Abu Dhabi within the framework of the Security Working Group and for the interest you showed to our delegation."
"WE ARE ALSO CLOSELY FOLLOWING THE CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS ON THE IRAN FRONT TOGETHER"
Putin continued his statement as follows: "Our dialogue regarding the situation in the Middle East is also important. We have repeatedly discussed the situation in the Palestine-Israel conflict zone and the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip for joint efforts to improve it. The main issue is the establishment of a Palestinian state that will coexist peacefully and securely with Israel. This will provide an opportunity for a lasting solution and long-term stability in the region. Of course, we are also closely following the current developments on the Iran front together."
"OUR RELATIONS ARE BASED ON A LEGACY OF PRODUCTIVE COOPERATION THAT HAS CONTINUED FOR OVER 50 YEARS"
Al Nahyan stated, "The relations between the UAE and Russia are based on a legacy of productive cooperation that has continued for over 50 years. Our countries are interconnected through partnerships and sustainable cooperation for development in the fields of economy, energy, investment, trade, technology, and other areas. We are determined to strengthen these relations and achieve development goals and partnerships in line with the interests of both countries."
Al Nahyan expressed, "Thank you for your support in facilitating the exchange of prisoners and detainees between Russia and Ukraine. This is a very important humanitarian issue. I would like to emphasize once again that the UAE fully supports all efforts to contribute to the establishment of peace and the resolution of political and diplomatic conflicts that will ensure international peace and stability."