Russian leader welcomes UAE counterpart at Kremlin ceremony ahead of key talks video

Russian President Vladimir Putin held an official meeting in Moscow with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who arrived in Russia on an official visit. It had earlier been reported that Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov would also take part in the discussions.

According to Russian media, the welcoming ceremony was held in St George’s Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace, a venue symbolising Russia’s military honour and heroism. By the time the ceremony began, members of both the Russian and Emirati delegations were already assembled in the hall.

The UAE president descended the Grand Staircase before the two leaders met on a red carpet, exchanged a firm handshake and greeted their respective delegations.

Following this, state orchestras performed the national anthems of Russia and the United Arab Emirates, after which formal talks commenced. The agenda is expected to include bilateral relations, developments in the Middle East, and the UAE’s role in mediating negotiations between Russia, Ukraine and the United States in Abu Dhabi.

The talks come after trilateral consultations on the settlement of the Ukraine situation that took place in Abu Dhabi on January 23–24. The next round of negotiations, involving delegations from Russia, the US and Ukraine, is scheduled to begin in the UAE capital on February 1.

By Tamilla Hasanova