RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin made a visit to the Gulf Region since the Russia-Ukraine war erupted in February 2022.
Putin visited the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday before departing for Saudi Arabia. While in Abu Dhabi, the Russian leader was welcomed with a flyby of UAE military jets that featured the colors of the Russian flag as well as a full cavalry escort and motorcade. A 21-gun salute was also held in his honor. Some high-ranking officials met him as he descended from his plane.
Putin also held talks with the President of the United Arab Emirates His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Both leaders discussed ways to strengthen relations between the UAE and Russia and the need to reach a ceasefire in Gaza. Sheikh Mohamed even called Putin as his “dear friend.”
After a short visit to the UAE, the Russian leader traveled to Saudi Arabia on the same day where he was greeted by high-ranking Saudi officials.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman warmly received the President of the Russian Federation and held a meeting at Al-Yamamah Palace in the Saudi capital of Riyadh. The Crown Prince praised their bilateral ties and said that their countries are working together for the benefit of Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the Middle East. Putin even invited the crown prince to visit Moscow during their meeting.
Meanwhile, Putin is scheduled to meet Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi on Thursday to discuss the war in Gaza.
Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia are key trading partners of Russia. The three countries are also part of a regional bloc of major oil-exporting nations known as the OPEC Plus.
