Sheikh Saif tells of 'successful relationship' between UAE and Russia

Sheikh Saif bin Zayed paid tribute to the “positive and successful” relationship between Russia and the UAE during his keynote speech on the opening day of Aqdar World Summit in Moscow on Thursday. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior said he welcomed the opportunity to share the success stories of the UAE “and allow the UAE to present its experiences of empowering humans in different fields including education, knowledge, space, youth empowerment, People of Determination, Artificial Intelligence, and cultural empowerment, among others.” Sheikh Saif noted the strategic partnership agreement between the UAE and Russia, signed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and President Vladimir Putin, saying it “represents an advanced step on the path to promoting mutual relationships and co-operation.” He said the main objective of the four-day summit was to empower human beings. The success story of the UAE, he said, was rooted in the leadership of the Founding Father Sheikh Zayed “who saw the human being as a core value". “Hence, [Sheikh Zayed] directed to preserve rights, provide all means to nurture and prepare, and empower humans to serve their country and society. These directives were a result of his firm belief that humans are the foundation for development and civilisation.” The third Aqdar World Summit is the first to be held outside the UAE. Eight UAE Ministers and senior officials will take part in more than 26 workshops and panel discussions over the next few days. Among those in attendance are the Ministry of Education, the UAE Space Agency, Zayed University and the National Archives. “We look forward to the positive outcomes of these workshops through promoting the exchange of expertise between the two friendly countries in all fields,” Sheikh Saif said. Prior to his speech, he visited the UAE’s exhibits at the Moscow Global Forum, known as the “City of Education”. The forum is one of Russia’s largest conferences, covering education policies and programmes at national and global level. Over the next few days, wide ranging discussions will be held on crucial global and national issues that include developments in technology, food security, and the part played by the advanced sciences and future projects in improving the well-being of communities with the message “Nourishing Minds, flourishing Nations.” On Thursday, Sheikh Saif also noted the “significant leaps” in trade between the two countries, which reached Dh11 billion in 2018, an increase of 21 per cent on the previous year. The number of Russian companies registered in the UAE has reached 3,000, he said, with around 16,000 Russian citizens now living in the country. In addition, around one million Russian tourists now visit the UAE annually. “These numbers show the depth of the relationship between the two countries, as well as the keenness of Russian institutions and companies to invest and operate in the UAE,” Sheikh Saif said. “With the participation of the Russian Government in Expo 2020 that will host more than 190 countries; visitors will be introduced to the Russian civilisation, its sectors and capabilities in building the future.” Speakers in the coming days include Dr Manal Taryam, chief executive of the Noor Dubai Foundation, Dr Faisal Al Bakri, advisor to the Minister of Education and a final session with Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister for Youth, who will speak on the topic of millennial professionals. _____________ Hussain Al Hammadi, the UAE Minister for Education, speaks about the UAE’s role at Aqdar _____________ The annual Moscow Global Forum attracts thousands of visitors, many of whom were experiencing UAE culture for the first time, posing for photographs with Emiratis in national dress and tasting dates flown over for the event. Among the nearly 20 UAE organisations taking part were the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, Dubai Electricity and Water Company, which featured a model of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, and the General Women’s Union. Several displays put an emphasis on the UAE’s history and culture, using historic photographs and the national building efforts of Sheikh Zayed, the founding President.

Sheikh Saif tells of 'successful relationship' between UAE and Russia

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior gives keynote speech at Aqdar World Summit in Moscow