On Wednesday, President Sheikh Mohamed held high-level discussions with various world leaders during the BRICS Summit in Russia, marking his inaugural meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The UAE leader participated in dialogues in Kazan with notable figures such as Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
The discussions primarily focused on advancing international cooperation in areas such as economy, trade, and development. The leaders emphasized the critical role of partnerships in driving progress and prosperity.
Earlier, Sheikh Mohamed outlined the UAE’s strategy to leverage its membership in the expanded BRICS bloc to foster development. This summit marks the UAE’s first participation since joining the organization at the beginning of the year.
“I was pleased to participate in the BRICS summit today in Kazan, Russia. The UAE supports multilateral cooperation that fosters peace and development while strengthening collective action to address global challenges,” Sheikh Mohamed stated on social media. “Through its membership in BRICS, the UAE works resolutely with member states to achieve a more stable and prosperous future for all.”
The 16th BRICS summit, themed Strengthening Multilateralism for Equitable Global Development and Security, is taking place until October 24. The event convenes leaders and officials from various BRICS nations, along with representatives from invited states, as reported by the state news agency WAM.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, highlighted that the UAE’s participation reflects its commitment to collaborating with all nations to enhance global stability and drive growth.
“Our focus is on promoting inclusive and sustainable development, in line with the global community’s shared goals,” he stated. “In an increasingly interconnected world, partnerships across regions that harness the dynamism and potential of emerging economies play a crucial role in advancing the common good.”
BRICS is an intergovernmental coalition of emerging economies, which includes Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the UAE.
Sheikh Mohamed arrived in Russia on Sunday for an official visit that featured high-level discussions with President Vladimir Putin. During their talks, Putin praised the strong ties between Russia and the UAE and expressed gratitude for the UAE’s role in facilitating prisoner-of-war exchanges with Ukraine.
Sheikh Mohamed acknowledged that Russia’s cooperation was essential to the success of these efforts and reiterated the UAE’s commitment to pursuing such “humanitarian endeavors.” “The Emirates is always ready to make any additional efforts for this cause, as well as any effort to help with settling crises in a way that can benefit all parties and support peace in the world,” he stated during talks held at the Kremlin as part of a reception for his visit to Russia.
Sheikh Mohamed also expressed appreciation for Russia’s presidency of BRICS and “reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to building effective partnerships,” according to the state news agency WAM.
The leaders also addressed the situation in the Middle East, with Sheikh Mohamed stressing the urgent need to prevent further escalation of regional conflicts and reiterating the call for “just, lasting and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution.”
Additionally, Sheikh Mohamed and Putin attended the inauguration of the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Education Centre at the Primakov School in Moscow, highlighting the growing cooperation between the two nations in the education sector.
The two leaders toured the center and interacted with pupils and staff, where a presentation on the curriculum emphasized the Arabic language, history, culture, arts, and science and technology.
