Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed holds talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Mr Putin discussed areas of mutual interest, including the fight against Covid-19

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

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Russian President Vladimir Putin assessed the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic during a phone call.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Mr Putin also discussed ways to further bolster ties between the UAE and Russia.

The leaders discussed several issues of common interest, particularly the ongoing fight against Covid-19.

"During a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, we discussed strengthening our strategic partnership and our countries' bilateral co-operation on several issues of common interest, especially the efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic and its repercussions," Sheikh Mohamed said in a tweet on Monday.

The Russian leader hailed the UAE as a very "close and promising partner" before embarking on a landmark tour of the Emirates last October.

It was his first visit to the UAE in 12 years.

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

During Mr Putin's visit, UAE and Russian officials agreed on a host of deals across energy, nuclear power, aviation and the environment.

The two nations have worked closely together in the space sector in recent times.

UAE astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri flew to the International Space Station last September on board a Russian-made Soyuz rocket, etching his name in history as the first Emirati to travel to space.

Vladimir Putin visits the UAE: