Foreign Minister Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi met with Minister of Trade of the Eurasian Economic Commission Andrey Slepnev in Moscow. WAM
Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi met with Eurasian Economic Commission Minister for Trade Andrey Slepnev in Moscow to discuss expanding trade and investment opportunities between the UAE and the Eurasian region, which includes Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan.
The two Ministers also reviewed the progress of the ongoing negotiations towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which will set out the framework for the ongoing negotiations.
During the meeting, the ministers highlighted the areas with the greatest potential for their respective private sectors, including logistics, manufacturing, agriculture and transport, as well as growing opportunities for the North-South trade corridor linking the UAE and Russia.
Dr Thani said the meeting confirmed the importance of Eurasia to the UAE’s foreign trade ambitions. “Our commitment to open, rules-based trade is a central pillar of our economic policy, and the pursuit of stronger ties with key partners around the world has helped boost non-oil trade to record levels. With its industrial strength, strong food production sector and strategic location across two continents, the Eurasian Economic Union is a key focus of these efforts, and my discussions this week have underscored our shared vision for closer economic integration. I am confident that we can secure further opportunities for business and unlock the vast potential of UAE-Eurasia relations,” he said.
Foreign Minister Andrey Slepnev welcomed Dr. Thani’s visit and noted that it reflects the strength of bilateral relations, noting that concrete results have been achieved after four rounds of negotiations on the Economic Partnership Agreement. “We recognize the long-standing friendship and strong economic ties between the Eurasian Economic Union member states and the UAE, and are confident that the Economic Partnership Agreement will enhance mutual benefits and strengthen economic and trade cooperation between our countries,” Foreign Minister Andrey Slepnev stressed.
The Eurasian Economic Union has been an important partner of the UAE since its establishment ten years ago. In the first half of 2024, non-oil trade between the UAE and Eurasian Economic Union member states reached US$13.7 billion, up 29.6% compared to the same period in 2023.
Wham