Strategic Alliances: UAE's Role in Russia's War Diplomacy

President Putin and UAE's Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan discuss their 'strategic partnership' and the UAE's role in prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine. Talks also focused on Middle East violence.

President Vladimir Putin emphasized the 'strategic partnership' between Russia and the United Arab Emirates to visiting President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Hosting a dinner at his residence, Putin thanked the UAE leader for his mediation efforts in prisoner exchanges amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

According to Russian news agencies, the leaders planned to delve deeper into issues of violence plaguing the Middle East and discuss the war in Ukraine during formal talks scheduled for Monday. Putin noted the 'complicated' situation in the region, citing the combat activities of Israel in Gaza and southern Lebanon.

The ninth mediation effort by the UAE involved a prisoner of war exchange on Friday, where each side recovered 95 prisoners. Putin highlighted the importance of 'personal relations' that have aided in addressing these challenges.

(With inputs from agencies.)