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Khalifa: Russia role pivotal in tackling Mideast issues

Russia has a leading role to play in addressing the Middle East issues, especially in Iraq and Palestine, President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan said yesterday.

Shaikh Khalifa was speaking during his official talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who left Abu Dhabi yesterday at the end of his landmark visit, the first by a Russian president to the UAE in 35 years.

The two leaders discussed the latest regional and international developments, notably the peace process in the Middle East and situation in Iraq, reported WAM.

Shaikh Khalifa stressed "the significance of the Russian political role in the Middle East, which stems from its support to the region's issues and efforts to bring about peaceful and just resolutions to them," WAM said.

Following the talks, senior officials from the two countries signed a number of agreements, including one to fight terrorism.