UAE is Russia's main trade partner in Arab world - Putin

ABU DHABI. Dec 6 (Interfax) - Relations between Russia and the United Arab Emirates have reached an unprecedented level, and the UAE has become Russia's main trade partner in the Arab world, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at negotiations with his UAE counterpart Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

"Owing to your stance, our relations have reached an unprecedentedly high level. We are in constant contact, and our colleagues are constantly working with one another," Putin said.

"Indeed, the United Arab Emirates is the main trade partner of Russia in the Arab world," he said.

Bilateral trade grew almost 68% in 2022, Putin said. "I think it will grow more this year," he said, adding that this includes investments.

Industrial cooperation is also on the rise, as certain production facilities open in the UAE and Russia and a number of large oil and gas projects are being implemented, Putin said.

"Additionally, we cooperate in the OPEC+ and, of course, give due attention to humanitarian relations," he said.

Tourist exchanges are expanding, as well. According to Putin, almost 1 million Russian tourists visited the UAE last year.

"A Russian school has opened, and we are grateful to you for the approval of land allotment for building an Orthodox church," Putin said.