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UAE and Russia call for resumption of Middle East peace process

Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin received here yesterday General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority, Rashid Hareb Al Falahi, Director of the Foreign Minister's Office and Yousuf Mana Al Otaiba, Director of International Affairs at the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court were present during the meeting.

Shaikh Mohammad conveyed to Putin the greetings of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and their wishes of further progress and prosperity to the Russian people.

He also extended an invitation to the Russian president to visit the UAE. Putin accepted the invitation, and a date will be set later.

During the meeting, Putin and Shaikh Mohammad reviewed bilateral relations and means to boost cooperation in various fields.

Shaikh Mohammad emphasised the UAE's keenness to strengthen ties of friendship and cooperation with Russia as a key player, both regionally and internationally.

He added that the two countries share the desire to expand their cooperation and to encourage the private sectors to enter into joint ventures that will serve the interests of the two countries. The meeting also discussed the latest regional developments, the situation in the Middle East and the two countries' views on the opportunities for peace and stability in the Middle East.

The two sides called for resuming the peace process in a way that will guarantee the rights of Palestinian people and implementation of the international legitimacy's resolutions.

They also expressed support to the unity and sovereignty of Iraq.