Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, met Russia's Minister of Trade and Industry in Abu Dhabi, on Saturday. Denis Valentinovich Manturov was in the capital to attend the International Defence Exhibition and the Naval Defence Exhibition (Idex and Navdex), which runs from Sunday until Thursday. The pair discussed Russia’s participation in the event as well as ways to promote economic ties between the two countries. Sheikh Abdullah spoke of their “longstanding and robust” partnership, while the Russian minister hailed the “steady growth in relations,” according to a statement on Wam, the UAE news agency. Mr Manturov also praised the organisation and precautionary measures at Idex and Navdex 2021 to ensure the safety of all participants. Idex, the Middle East’s largest defence expo, is the first major defence event since the Covid-19 outbreak. More than 900 exhibitors from 59 countries are expected to participate in this year's event, which will have 35 national pavilions. About 84 per cent of exhibiting companies are from abroad, while 16 per cent are UAE-based. The event will also feature live military drills and aerial displays from Al Fursan, the UAE's aerobatics team. Its sister event, Navdex, includes daily demonstrations and the chance to view scores of visiting naval vessels. Major announcements about new products are expected and all eyes will be on Emirati defence conglomerate Edge. The 25-company strong Edge is expected to unveil a series of products at this year’s fair, spanning unnamed vehicles, precision-guided munitions and naval vessels.
