SAINT PETERSBURG: Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) role as a mediator in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, adding that the Gulf nation can play a “significant” role in efforts to reach a resolution.
He made the comments during a meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ) in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
“I’m aware of your concern about the development of the situation and your desire to contribute to the settlement of all disputed issues, including today’s crisis in Ukraine,” Putin said.
The Russian president furthered that the mediation efforts by the Gulf nation have helped “moving toward resolving the situation.”
“I’d like to point out that it’s indeed a substantial factor that allows us to use your influence for moving toward resolving the situation,” added Putin.
MBZ is currently on a visit to Russia. He is one of the few leaders to make the trip to Moscow since the Ukraine war started.
The UAE president took to Twitter after meeting his Russian counterpart and said that they had agreed on “the importance of engaging in dialogue to reduce tensions and arrive at a diplomatic solution.”
The visit comes days after the Saudi-led OPEC oil cartel and its allies including Russia, known as OPEC+, decided to cut oil output in a bid to raise prices, despite appeals from the United States to increase production.
Speaking about the recent decision to cut oil production, Putin said, “Our decisions … aren’t directed against anyone. Our actions are aimed at ensuring stability in global energy markets to make both consumers of energy resources and those who deal with production and supplies feel calm, stability and confidence, to help balance supply and demand.”
The United States has accused OPEC+ of playing into the hands of the Kremlin, which has an interest in bolstering oil prices to finance its war.
Gulf countries typically enjoy positive relations with Moscow and have shied away from criticising Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, instead calling for a diplomatic resolution of the conflict.
