UAE, Russia discuss increasing direct flights between the two countries
September 8, 2021, 5:01 am

UAE, Russia discuss increasing direct flights between the two countries

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The TASS reported, UAE Ambassador to Russia Mohammed Ahmed Al-Jaber said in an interview with the Russian news website, the issue of increasing the number of direct flights between the United Arab Emirates and Russia may be resolved shortly, adding that Moscow and Abu Dhabi are addressing the issue.

The diplomat noted, an increase in the number of direct flights with Russia is a prior task for the country.

He said: "Transport ministries of the two countries, as well as relevant departments, constantly hold talks, consultations on that issue. Of course, the number of today’s direct flights does not satisfy the existing demand, given the growing number of Russians willing to visit the UAE, as well as the citizens of the UAE who want to come to Russia as well. I think the issue will be resolved in the near future."

The the diplomat said, the necessity to increase the number of flights shortly is also due to approaching of the date of holding the Expo 2020 that will kick off on October 1.

He also noted an increase in the number of tourists from the UAE that visited Russia this year.

He said: "In the first quarter of this year 1,031 citizens of the UAE visited Russia,", adding that the country’s citizens "like to visit Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sochi, Kazan, Grozny.".

Source: tass

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Before Trump's victory, Rutte expressed confidence that a united Washington would remain part of the defensive alliance, even if Trump became the 47th president of the United States. In an interview with German public broadcaster ZDF last Monday night, he stated that both Republicans and Democrats understand that NATO serves not only the security of Europe but also that of America. He added that both candidates are aware that the security of the United States is closely tied to NATO.

On Wednesday, NATO congratulated Trump on his victory but did not address the Ukrainian issue.

It is noteworthy that the relationship between the elected U.S. president and the defense alliance was not the best during his first term in the White House. Trump criticized NATO member states multiple times and even hinted at withdrawing from the alliance unless they increased their financial contributions.

Additionally, the issue of the Russian-Ukrainian war is one of the matters that complicate relations between the two sides, especially since Trump has repeatedly stated that he can end this ongoing conflict, which began in 2022, quickly. He implied that he had a peace plan between Kyiv and Moscow, while his vice president, JD Vance, revealed aspects of that plan, which stipulated Ukraine's commitment not to join NATO, thereby sending reassuring signals to the Russians.

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