Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, was guided around an international aerospace show in Moscow on Tuesday by Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Sheikh Mohammed, also Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, was in Russia for the International Aviation and Space Show, Maks 2015, and to discuss relations with Mr Putin.
He joined Mr Putin and other top Russian officials for a parade of civil and military jets before the president accompanied him on a tour of Maks. They were briefed about the latest military, defence innovations and projects on display from more than 151 international companies.
Mr Putin thanked him for attending. “I’m very happy to seize this opportunity to discuss regional issues and bilateral relations with you,” he said.
Sheikh Mohammed passed on the greetings of the President, Sheikh Khalifa.
He and Mr Putin discussed further improving the political, economic, investment, trade and energy ties between their two countries, and about the situations in Yemen and Syria.
Earlier, Sheikh Mohammed met Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El Sisi and reaffirmed the UAE’s support for Egypt’s development and stability.
“Egypt remains the backbone of stability and a safety valve for the Middle East, given its strategic position and security role,” he said. “This strategic position maximises the importance of backing and standing beside it.”
The leaders stressed the need for swift action against threats to Arab peace and security, particularly the spread of terrorism.
Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, National Security Adviser; Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed, Deputy National Security Adviser; Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed, Chairman of the Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation.
Sheikh Mohammed also conveyed Sheikh Khalifa’s regards to Mr El Sisi, and his best wishes for more success, growth and prosperity for Egypt and its people.
Mr El Sisi expressed his appreciation for the support shown by the UAE leadership and people towards Egypt. He wished more welfare and progress to the UAE.
The UAE has pumped Dh14.7 billion into the Egyptian economy this year. Emirati businessmen are also expected to invest US$3.8bn (Dh13.95bn) in Egypt’s New Suez Canal project.
Ehab Hammouda, Egypt’s ambassador to the UAE, said the talks were extremely important.
“There is a need to meet for common matters such as bilateral relations and the Yemen and Syrian crises,” Mr Hammouda said. “There are many things that need to be discussed from time to time and there are excellent relations between both countries. There are direct contacts between Sheikh Mohammed and president El Sisi.”
Political analysts agreed that the meetings had come at a crucial time.
“It is important to realise the triangular relationship between Egypt, Russia and the UAE has been going since El Sisi came to power,” said Dr Theodore Karasik, a Dubai geopolitical analyst.
“The relationship focuses on Egyptian security requirements as well as on Libya, and both Russia and the UAE see Egyptian stability as a critical factor in regional security.”
Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, political science professor at UAE University, said: “It is very clear to everybody that the stability of Egypt is a top priority to major regional players, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
“So any help that comes from major powers like Russia, Europe and the US to achieve this goal is more than welcome. I think Russia has expressed interest in making sure to supply Egypt with the needed weapons and political support, and if there is investment coming from Russia, so be it.
“So in all these plans, Russia’s help for Egypt is of utmost importance.”
The visit was Mr El Sisi’s third to Moscow since becoming president. The Middle East News Agency said he would discuss with Russian president Vladimir Putin cooperation between the two countries in fields including economy and investment, during his three-day visit.
cmalek@thenational.ae