The Prime Ministers of Russia and the United Arab Emirates have discussed a new programme of cooperation between the two countries.
Vladimir Putin yesterday met with the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the ruler of Dubai, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
"Your Majesty, the Russian Prime Minister said at the start of the meeting. We have a good many joint ventures, but most of them are in the sphere of tourism and the services. We should see if we can diversify our relations."
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum described his visit to Moscow as "strategic". He agreed with Mr Putin:
"There are great opportunities for more effective interaction. And I would like to invite you to visit the Emirates. To this Mr Putin replied:
"Shukran".
("Thank you" in Arabic).
Mr Putin visited the UAE as President in 2007. More than 40 Russian companies have offices in the UAE with which we have about 350 joint ventures. In 2008 our bilateral trade stood at $846.4 million ("very modest", said Mr Putin). Now Russia will cooperate with the UAE in space, investment and nuclear energy fields.
By Alexander Gamov