Abu Dhabi crown prince begins two-day Russia visit

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has arrived in Moscow for a two-day visit under invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin, official news agency WAM reported.

Sheikh Mohamed is scheduled meet Putin on Tuesday to discuss bilateral relations between the United Arab Emirates and Russia, mainly related to the investment and energy sectors, the Russian press service said.

The two leaders will also exchange views on issues regarding stability and security in the Middle East and North Africa.

Sheikh Mohamed will also attend the opening of the International Aviation and Space Salon (MAKS 2015) on Tuesday.

Russia is seeking more investments from the UAE as it looks to develop its infrastructure and expand its economy.

Even as Sheikh Mohamed’s official visit began, the Kremlin revealed that Russian oil company Rosneft is in talks with Abu Dhabi state firm Mubadala Petroleum to jointly develop two oilfield projects in Siberia, Tass Yuriakh and Verkhnechonskoye.

In 2013, Abu Dhabi announced plans to invest $5bn in Russian infrastructure projects via the state-backed Russian Direct Investment Fund.

The Russian fund also established a $2bn joint fund with Mubadala Development to finance projects in Russia.