Parliamentary Dialogue: UAE and Russia Deepen Legislative Cooperation
The Speaker of the Federal National Council meets with Russia's State Duma Chairman in New Delhi to strengthen institutional ties and explore partnerships in energy, technology and investment.
In New Delhi, where the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum convenes to foster dialogue among emerging economies, Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council, engaged in substantive discussions with Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation. The bilateral meeting reflected the deepening institutional relationship between the two nations and their shared commitment to collaborative governance.
Ghobash, in congratulating Volodin on his re-election, underscored the enduring nature of UAE-Russia relations and the resolve of both leaderships to expand their partnership across sectors of mutual benefit. He emphasised the value of strengthening parliamentary cooperation through closer institutional coordination, parliamentary friendship committees, reciprocal legislative visits and the exchange of expertise that might benefit both nations’ developmental ambitions.
The Speaker advocated particularly for enhanced collaboration between specialised parliamentary committees in the economic, technological and energy sectors. Such cooperation, he suggested, would facilitate the sharing of legislative knowledge and policy frameworks that support investment, innovation and sustainable development, enabling both parliaments to learn from one another’s approaches to emerging challenges.
Recognising the robust expansion of economic and trade relations, Ghobash welcomed the bilateral agreements that have created fresh opportunities for partnership. The energy sector, advanced technology and the emerging digital economy represent areas of particular promise for deepened engagement.
Volodin responded with appreciation for the stability and resilience of the bilateral relationship, noting that UAE-Russia cooperation has continued to flourish across multiple sectors despite the complexities of the global environment. He reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to strengthening this partnership and building upon the achievements already realised.
The Russian parliamentarian also acknowledged the UAE’s humanitarian diplomacy, particularly its instrumental role in facilitating prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine. This mediation work, Volodin noted, has alleviated humanitarian suffering whilst supporting the broader pursuit of dialogue and peaceful solutions to international tensions. Such recognition reflects the UAE’s standing as an impartial actor capable of building bridges during periods of global uncertainty.
The parliamentary meeting represents one element of a broader trajectory of strengthened UAE-Russia engagement. As we reported, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the Russian President met earlier this year to discuss coordination and partnership during the BRICS Summit, whilst senior diplomatic officials have continued to affirm the commitment to strengthening bilateral ties across multiple channels of engagement.
What it means for Abu Dhabi
For the emirate, this parliamentary cooperation signals an expansion of institutional engagement beyond traditional diplomatic channels. By fostering direct dialogue between legislative bodies, the UAE strengthens its capacity to address shared concerns through informed policymaking and enables its lawmakers to benefit from the expertise and perspectives of their international counterparts. Energy security and technological innovation represent areas where such parliamentary collaboration may yield practical benefits.
The meeting also reinforces Abu Dhabi’s broader diplomatic strategy of maintaining constructive relationships with major global actors and positioning the UAE as a credible mediator in international affairs. The recognition of the emirate’s humanitarian work and diplomatic initiatives underscores its growing influence and the international respect accorded to its principled approach to regional challenges and global cooperation.
Source: WAM