UAE, Russia Seek to Bolster Cooperation, Push Forward Peace

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday. (WAM)
United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday. (WAM)
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UAE, Russia Seek to Bolster Cooperation, Push Forward Peace

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday. (WAM)
United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday. (WAM)

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday.

Sheikh Mohamed and Putin underlined the steps taken by their countries in recent years in boosting bilateral cooperation in all fields.

They stressed Moscow and Abu Dhabi’s keenness on developing the cooperation on all levels.

Putin expressed his satisfaction with the level of coordination in various fields.

He added that the economic cooperation between the UAE and Russia has witnessed significant leaps in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the global economy.

Putin praised the “joint work” between Russia and the UAE at OPEC+ with the aim of achieving stability in the global energy markets.

He stressed that the group’s actions are not targeted against any party and that its efforts are aimed at striking a balance and stability between the interests of the producers and consumers and meeting market needs.

Putin highlighted the UAE’s “role and regional standing” that is helping bolster mediation efforts to resolve humanitarian issues. He also hailed its role in “resolving crises in different parts of the world.”

The ties between the UAE and Russia are a “significant factor in the stability of the region,” he remarked, adding that he was keen on discussing the situations in Syria and Libya in depth.

He noted Abu Dhabi’s efforts in easing the humanitarian crises caused by the situation in Ukraine, saying he was aware of the UAE’s concern over the situation around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.

For his part, Sheikh Mohamed stressed his country’s efforts in helping strengthen the foundations of global peace and stability to reduce tensions and find diplomatic solutions to crises.

The two leaders reviewed a number of regional and international issues and developments of common concern during their meeting.

Sheikh Mohamed highlighted the importance of continuing to make unremitting efforts to find political solutions to crises and tensions, stressing the need for dialogue between all parties.

Furthermore, he underscored the UAE's policy in support of peace and stability on the regional and international arenas.

He called for the need to continue serious consultations to resolve the Ukraine crisis through dialogue, negotiation and diplomacy to reach a political settlement in order to achieve global peace and security.

Sheikh Mohamed and Putin had last met during a visit by the Russian leader to Abu Dhabi in 2019.

Sheikh Mohamed noted that the trade exchange between their countries rose from $2.5 billion to around $5 billion in recent years in spite of the pandemic.

He also noted the rise in the numbers of Russian tourists visiting the UAE. He revealed that nearly half a million Russians had visited his country in the past year alone.

Moreover, he noted that some 4,000 Russian companies are operating in the UAE, hoping that cooperation between their countries will increase in the future.



Penalties Imposed on Hajj Fraudsters

Saudi Arabia has commended several countries for their strict actions against tour companies that issued unauthorized Hajj visas.Photo: Bashir Salih
Saudi Arabia has commended several countries for their strict actions against tour companies that issued unauthorized Hajj visas.Photo: Bashir Salih
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Penalties Imposed on Hajj Fraudsters

Saudi Arabia has commended several countries for their strict actions against tour companies that issued unauthorized Hajj visas.Photo: Bashir Salih
Saudi Arabia has commended several countries for their strict actions against tour companies that issued unauthorized Hajj visas.Photo: Bashir Salih

Several countries, whose citizens died during this year’s Hajj season, have revealed a joint effort with Saudi Arabia to tackle companies issuing unauthorized Hajj visas.

Despite Saudi Arabia’s extensive media campaigns warning against performing Hajj without proper permits and highlighting strict penalties, some pilgrims didn’t abide by the regulations which led to unfortunate outcomes.

Saudi Arabia on Monday commended several countries for their strict actions against tour companies that issued unauthorized Hajj visas. These countries have taken steps to prevent future violations.

Meanwhile, Riyadh is treating both authorized and unauthorized pilgrims for heat exhaustion, with high temperatures causing the deaths of 1,301 pilgrims, most of whom were unauthorized.

Saudi Arabia and Jordan have accused tour companies of deceiving visitors by issuing unauthorized Hajj visas.

Saudi Interior Ministry spokesman Col. Talal Al-Shalhoub said these companies encouraged visitors to break the rules by staying in Makkah two months before the Hajj season.

Jordanian government spokesman Muhannad Mubaideen confirmed that investigations found some citizens were deceived by unscrupulous individuals and certain offices, as reported by the Jordan News Agency (Petra).

On Tuesday, the Jordanian Judicial Council revealed the results of an investigation into unauthorized Hajj trips by Jordanians, which resulted in 99 deaths this year.

The council ordered the closure of companies that facilitated these illegal trips and seized their illegal earnings.

Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities have revoked the licenses of 16 tour companies for illegally organizing Hajj trips without providing services to pilgrims.

The officials of these companies have been referred to the public prosecutor, and the companies have been fined to compensate the families of deceased pilgrims, according to the Egyptian Cabinet.

Egyptian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farouk praised the excellent cooperation between Saudi and Egyptian authorities. He noted the high-level coordination on Hajj matters and other bilateral issues.

On his part, Tunisian President Kais Saied dismissed Minister of Religious Affairs Brahim Chaibi following the deaths of 60 Tunisian pilgrims, as reported by the Tunisian Consulate in Jeddah.

Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas praised Saudi Arabia’s successful organization of this year’s Hajj. He thanked the Saudi leadership for ensuring a smooth Hajj experience and highlighted the efficiency of the “Makkah Route” initiative.

Saudi Arabia emphasized that Hajj permits are not just entry passes but crucial tools for locating and providing timely care and services to pilgrims.

The Saudi Interior Ministry explained that the absence of permits made it challenging to reach some unauthorized pilgrims and obstructed the delivery of necessary services and care.