UAE president says ready for further strengthening of bilateral cooperation with Russia

ABU DHABI. Dec 6 (Interfax) - United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has expressed the readiness for further development of relations with Russia in various areas.

"I will be happy to continue our joint work toward strengthening bilateral cooperation in various areas," Al Nahyan said at the start of negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He noted the active development of relations with Russia in all areas in recent years and lauded Putin's personal role in strengthening bilateral relations.

"We give a special priority to the development in such areas as energy, infrastructure, advanced technologies and others," Al Nahyan said.

He noted that the UAE was Russia's largest trade partner in the Middle East and the Gulf region and the major investor in the Russian economy.