According to Vladimir Putin, relations between Russia and the United Arab Emirates are at their highest point.

Putin thanked its ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan for the “UAE’s stance”, saying this had allowed relations between the two countries to reach “an unprecedentedly high level”.

Later on Wednesday, Russian President is set to visit Saudi Arabia, where he is scheduled to hold a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Russia’s key partner in the Opec+ grouping of oil producing nations.