Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Russian President Vladimir Putin discuss regional issues

Two discuss ways to improve co-operation in phone call

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bids farewell to Mr. Putin at the Presidential Airport. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

A cubic artwork showcasing Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Mr. Putin is displayed at the Presidential Airport. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed receives a gyrfalcon as a gift from Mr Putin. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Mr Putin exchange gifts during a state visit at Qasr Al Watan. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Mr Putin signs the guest book. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Mr Putin stand for a photograph with musicians during a state visit reception at Qasr Al Watan. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

UAE Astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi presents a gift commemorating the UAE Space mission to Mr Putin. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Mr Putin and the Crown Prince meet Emirati astronauts Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyadi. Pawan Singh / The National

Mohamed bin Zayed receives Russian President Vladimir Putin at Qasr Al Watan, commencing a state visit to the UAE. Courtesy: Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Putin observe an honour guard at Qasr Al Watan. Courtesy: Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Sheikh Mohamed welcomed Mr Putin at the airport and drove with him through the city to Qasr Al Watan. Pawan Singh / The National

Al Fursan acrobatics squadron flies over Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi's presidential palace. Courtesy: Ministry of Presidential Affairs

The seven jets marking the seven emirates soar over the Corniche. Courtesy: Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Mr Putin's limousine arrives at Qasr Al Watan. Courtesy: Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Mr Putin and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed are signing a series of dealt to benefit both nations on Tuesday. Courtesy: Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Members of the honour guard mark inside the palace. Pawan Singh / The National

Mr. Putin and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed attend the official welcome ceremony in Abu Dhabi. Reuters

The Russian president and the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince inspect a guard of honour. Pawan Singh / The National

The Russian President and the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince inspect a guard of honour. Pawan Singh / The National

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Mr. Putin stand for a photograph during a state visit reception at Qasr Al Watan. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

The honour guard stands to attention at the palace. Pawan Singh / The National

Senior Emirati dignitaries await the arrival of Mr Putin. Pawan Singh / The National

Sheikh Mohamed and Mr. Putin view a UAE-Russia investment exhibition presented by Mubadala at Qasr Al Watan. Seen with Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, left. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed ways to improve co-operation between their countries on Wednesday.

During a phone call, they reviewed issues of regional and international interest – specifically the Libyan crisis, Wam reported.

They spoke about the importance of unifying efforts and returning to political dialogue in a way that achieves development, stability and peace for the Libyan people.

They also discussed the latest developments related to the Covid-19 pandemic and efforts to limit its spread.

The UAE and Russia have long-standing ties – Mr Putin most recently visited the Emirates in October.

During his official visit, Sheikh Mohamed referred to Mr Putin as a “friend” and Moscow as “my second home”.

The UAE is Russia’s biggest partner in the Gulf, with bilateral trade reaching Dh12.5 billion last year.

The collaboration between the nations also now includes space exploration, after Russian expertise helped the first Emirati astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri into space.

Maj Al Mansouri was able to spend eight days on board the International Space Station thanks to the technology and training provided by Russia's space agency, Roscosmos.

The UAE and Russia also collaborate on a host of defence matters, including counter-terrorism.