Russian President Vladimir Putin praises 'close' UAE partnership ahead of visit

Mr Putin will hold talks with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, during visit to the UAE capital

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, at the Kremlin in June, 2018.  

Russian President Vladimir Putin has hailed the UAE as a very "close and promising partner" before his landmark visit to the country on Tuesday.

The Russian leader will arrive in the Emirates from Saudi Arabia with a delegation of ministers, trade representatives and officials.

Mr Putin said a strategic partnership signed between the nations in June 2018 was a testament to the growing ties.

During his trip to Abu Dhabi, he will hold talks with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

It will be his first visit to the UAE since 2007.

Sheikh Mohamed previously met Mr Putin during visits to Russia in 2017 and 2018.

A priority of the trip is expanding 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.

Mr Putin praised the the UAE's role in the region  and said efforts are being made to further bolster the economic links between the countries.

"It is safe to say that the United Arab Emirates greatly contribute to resolving regional crises, and play a stabilising role in the region," he said.

"It is no great secret that we maintain regular contacts with the leadership of the United Arab Emirates.

"There is even an established tradition, a practice to compare notes regarding different topics. In my opinion, we are doing it for the benefit of both parties, and the region as a whole."