ABU DHABI — Russian President Vladimir Putin and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed over a phone call ways of enhancing bilateral relations in light of the existing strategic partnership between the two friendly countries.

The two leaders also explored means to advance this partnership to serve the interests of their peoples.

The conversation dealt with developments in the situation in the Middle East and Caucasus regions, and the efforts being made to contain and settle tensions and conflicts in them, as well as several regional and international issues of common concern.

The two sides also discussed developments about the COVID-19 pandemic in the two countries and the world, and ways to support and strengthen cooperation between them in dealing with it. They also spoke about containing the repercussions on the health, humanitarian domain, and economy, and especially joint cooperation in developing a vaccine against the virus.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, who is also the deputy supreme commander of the armed forces of the United Arab Emirates, expressed his congratulations to the Russian President on his birthday. — WAM