Russia, UAE to sign agreement on cooperation in maritime transport

MOSCOW. Oct 14 (Interfax) - The Russian government has approved a draft agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on cooperation in maritime transport.

The order signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin approving the draft, which was submitted by the Transport Ministry, was posted on the official website for legal information on Tuesday.

"In accordance with Point 1, Article 11 of the federal law On International Agreements of the RF, approve the draft agreement between the government of the RF and government of the UAE in the area of maritime transport preliminarily worked out with the Emirati side that was submitted by the Transport Ministry of the RF and endorsed by the Foreign Ministry of Russia and other interested federal government agencies," the document states.

The Transport Ministry has been instructed to hold negotiations with the UAE and, upon reaching agreement, sign the agreement on behalf of the Russian government, which has authorized it to make minor changes to the draft if necessary.

Under the draft agreement, Russia and the UAE will strive to strengthen cooperation in maritime transport in accordance with the principles of equality and mutual benefit. The draft includes articles on ship access to ports and measures to simplify formalities, mutual recognition of ship documents, mariners going ashore without visas, aid in emergency situations, as well as cooperation between shipping organizations and the creation of a joint maritime committee.