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Khalifa, Putin discuss ties, Mideast and Iraq
Emirates News Agency-WAM - 11 September, 2007

The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, held official talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin here at Al Mushrif Palace yesterday.

Putin, who is accompanied by a high-level delegation, is on an official visit to the UAE.

Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Shaikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser, attended the meeting. Sergei Prikhodko, Russian Presidential Aide, and other high-ranking Russian officials attended the meeting. Shaikh Khalifa welcomed Putin and expressed his hope that the Russian president’s visit would further consolidate bilateral relations in various fields — political, economic, commercial, cultural as well as scientific.

The meeting discussed boosting of relations between the two countries. The two sides exchanged views on the latest regional and international issues, notably the peace process in the Middle East and situation in Iraq.

Shaikh Khalifa stressed that “the UAE is keen to avail more partnership, cooperation and friendship opportunities with Russia, particularly in the economic, commercial and investment fields”.

He expressed his pleasure about the level of relations between the two countries in all fields, highlighting the role of Russia to in the Middle East peace process and in the quartet committee.

Putin said: “The visit reflects significance of relations between the two countries, which is part of our efforts to establish better relations with the countries in the Gulf region.”

He added that the two countries have a close vision and joint aspirations towards boosting bilateral relations, indicating that the two countries enjoy huge economic and investment potential.

“Russia deems UAE as an economic, commercial and investment partner in the region,” Putin said, adding that the UAE holds an important international and regional position.

Shaikh Khalifa held a banquet in honour of Russian president and his entourage. It was attended by the UAE ministers and senior officials.

Earlier yesterday, President Shaikh Khalifa received Vladimir Putin at Al Mushrif Palace. The Russian delegation included Presidential Aide Sergei Prikhodko, Russian Ambassador Andrey Zakharov, ministers and senior officials.

Shaikh Khalifa decorated the Russian president with the ‘Order of Zayed’ in appreciation of the strong relations of friendship between the two countries.

Meanwhile, President Putin left yesterday afternoon winding up a one-day official visit to the UAE. Putin was seen off by President Shaikh Khalifa, Shaikh Sultan, Gen. Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed, other Shaikhs and senior officials.

Khalifa, Putin discuss ties, Mideast and Iraq (http://www.gulfinthemedia.com/index.php?id=341600&news_type=Top%E2%8C%A9=en&lang=en&PHPSESSID=d4f2b8d5cb2a7ff4a8b88ad642674566)