Putin hails UAE's role in prisoner exchanges, discusses Middle East conflict

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence near Moscow Russia on Oct 20 2024 — Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) meets with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence near Moscow, Russia on Oct. 20, 2024. AP-Yonhap

SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed to the visiting UAE president on Sunday that the relationship between their countries had reached the level of a "strategic partnership." He also thanked the UAE for its mediation efforts in facilitating prisoner exchanges with Ukraine.

It is reported that Putin hosted a dinner for President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at his residence, where they are set to hold formal discussions on Monday covering both the Middle East violence and the war in Ukraine.

Putin described the situation in the Middle East as "complicated," noting Israel's military operations in Gaza and southern Lebanon. He praised the UAE president for his "personal relations" that have helped both nations resolve various challenges, particularly highlighting the UAE's role in arranging prisoner exchanges during the ongoing war with Ukraine.

The most recent exchange took place last week, with each side returning 95 prisoners of war. The UAE noted that it had taken part in nine such mediation efforts since the conflict began over two and a half years ago.

AJP

Putin hails UAE's role in prisoner exchanges, discusses Middle East conflict

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