Polarization in international relations… Emirati-Russian rapprochement reaps its fruits around the world 

Since the establishment of the United Arab Emirates, it has been extending its hand of peace to the whole world, with a focus on rejecting violence and wars, and preserving humanity and global tranquility. With the escalation of the war between Russia and Ukraine, which has turned into a long-lasting conflict affecting the world’s economy, the UAE aims to end the war.

The United Arab Emirates plays a regional and major role in the Middle East and North Africa in recent years. It has become a key player in regional and international affairs. The rise of the UAE as a major player in regional and international affairs dates back to before the Arab Spring. This role began to crystallize in the 1990s and the first decade of the 21st century. One of the reasons for this is the shift that occurred after Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in Dubai and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi became more prominent in decision-making following the death of their father. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed are considered ambitious figures.

The UAE has worked on spreading its concept of peace in international relations through numerous efforts to bridge the gap and resolve disputes between conflicting parties and warring countries in different regions of the world. It has succeeded in bringing together perspectives and establishing peace among warring parties, putting an end to the suffering and tragedies experienced by several nations.

Visit of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed to Russia:

In recent times, the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, intended to visit Russia and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of a forum in St. Petersburg. Bin Zayed stated that there are bridges being built to enhance partnership between the two countries. This visit comes after the successful efforts of the UAE in facilitating a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine in February of the previous year, and two months after successfully mediating a prisoner exchange between Russia and the United States. This reflects international and Russian appreciation for the UAE, its efforts, and mediations in supporting international security, stability, and peace, according to some Arab media outlets.

The visit also took place a few days after another visit by an official Emirati delegation led by Mariam bint Mohammed AlMheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment of Ukraine. This visit is part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to push for a sustainable and peaceful solution to the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and support its continuous humanitarian efforts to alleviate the severity of the crisis.

Overcoming polarization in international relations:

The visit of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Russia reflects the UAE’s approach to seeking to calm international polarization, indicating the UAE’s commitment to listen to all international parties in confronting common challenges. The meeting between Putin and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed emphasized supporting collective efforts of the international community to overcome the current polarization in international relations, as well as adopting a positive approach to resolving international crises, including the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.

The UAE also emphasizes the importance of sitting at the dialogue table and supporting diplomacy, considering them the best tools to overcome any crisis, regardless of its magnitude. In this context, the visit of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, to Russia and his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, is believed to be based on the firm belief in the importance of maintaining channels of communication. Our conviction is that political solutions are the only way to establish the foundations of the international order.

Based on this perspective, the visit of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed to Russia aligns with our belief that diplomacy and dialogue are the best tools to overcome any crisis, regardless of its magnitude.