Russian President Vladimir Putin praised his country's relations with the United Arab Emirates on Friday while meeting with the head of the oil-rich country, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in St. Petersburg.

"The UAE is a very good partner," Putin said in televised remarks at the beginning of the meeting, which was held on the sidelines of an economic summit in Russia's second-largest city.

Putin thanked Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed for the UAE's contribution to the exchange of prisoners and prisoners between Russia, Ukraine, Russia and the United States.

For his part, the Emirati president said he supports "de-escalation" and "political solutions" to the Ukrainian conflict.

He added that he discussed with Putin the "strategic partnership" between their two countries, according to a statement published by the official UAE news agency (WAM).

Russia and the UAE cooperate closely through the OPEC+ oil alliance.

Dubai is also one of the few global capitals to maintain direct flights to Moscow after the start of the conflict in Ukraine, allowing the UAE to benefit from a large influx of Russian tourists.

Mohammed bin Zayed is the most prominent foreign leader participating in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, an annual event that brings together officials and companies from around the world.