Russian President Vladimir Putin invited UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to exchange views on security in Middle East region at talks on Thursday.
"Of course, it is very important for us to exchange views with you today on the situation in the region in the field of international security," Putin said ahead of talks.
Russia and the UAE actively interact on international platforms, including within the framework of the BRICS and the EAEU, Putin added.
Mutual investments between Russia and the UAE are growing, with Russian investments in the UAE exceeding Emirati investments in Russia by almost two times, he added.
"We [with the UAE] maintain contacts at a high political level, economic ties are developing, both in the field of trade and investment. Mutual investments are growing. I would like to note that Russian investments in the United Arab Emirates exceed Emirati investments in Russia, and significantly, almost twice," Putin said at talks.
Russia attaches special importance to relations with the UAE, Putin added.
"We have humanitarian cooperation at a good level. I am also referring to our contacts in the field of education and culture," Putin said.
Relations between the UAE and Russia are developing rapidly, UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said.
"Our relations ... have been developing at an accelerated pace in recent years," the president said at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, adding that the UAE has always sought to strengthen relations with Moscow.
The UAE's trade with Russia has reached $11 billion, the president said, expressing the hope that it will double.
The UAE president also thanked Putin for his hospitality and expressed hope that his visit "will bring positive and joyful results for the Russian and Emirati peoples."
Sputnik Africa was live as Russian President Vladimir Putin is holding a meeting with his counterpart from the UAE Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan.
The presidents were expected to discuss further development of bilateral cooperation, as well as current issues on the international agenda, including the situation in the Middle East, according to the Kremlin.
Putin and al Nahyan maintain regular contacts — the latest meeting took place in Moscow in October, when the presidents discussed bilateral ties and international agenda, including the Ukrainian crisis.
The top officials also regularly hold telephone talks. Several conversations took place in 2025, including in June, amid the escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict.