MESOPOTAMIA NEWS : VLAD PUTIN – THE TSAR OF THE GULF & MIDEAST ! / PUTIN IN ABU DHABI

THE NATIONAL  16 Oct 2019

Aboard the pride of the Russian air fleet, Vladimir Putin touched down in Abu Dhabi yesterday to a royal welcome reserved for only the UAE’s most crucial partners. The Russian President’s Ilyushin 96 jet landed at the airport after midday and he travelled in convoy of more than a dozen vehicles to Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace, as helicopters hovered overhead. Mr Putin left the country late yesterday evening after several hours of meetings and discussions. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, said the partnership between the UAE and Russia was of immense importance.

Russian residents of the UAE said they saw the state visit as a major development in the relationship between the two countries and they expect the growth in tourism and business links to accelerate as a result.

Yesterday evening, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company awarded Lukoil a five per cent stake in the ultra-sour gas Ghasha concession, marking the first time a Russian energy firm has participated in the emirate’s upstream activities. Adnoc also signed a comprehensive strategic framework agreement with Russia’s Gazprom Neft.

Our comment desk also reflects on Mr Putin’s visit, describing it as a celebration of longstanding ties. Contributor Theodore Karasik says the trip marks a “new chapter” in bilateral relations.

Nick March
Assistant Editor-in-Chief