Russia and the United Arab Emirates held high-level discussions on food security, agricultural trade, and resilient supply chains during a strategic session organized by the Russia-UAE Business Council (RUBC) at the International Economic Forum in Kazan, Russia.
The session, titled “From Food Security to Systemic Sustainability: The Role of Russia and the UAE,” focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in agriculture, logistics, and food trade amid evolving global economic and geopolitical conditions. Participants explored opportunities to develop sustainable supply chains, expand investment mechanisms, and jointly access markets across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Russia and UAE Strengthen Economic and Agricultural Partnership
Opening the session, Dmitry Birichevsky, Director of the Department for Economic Cooperation at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the rapid expansion of Russia-UAE relations has been strongly supported by the leadership of both countries.
He emphasized that the next phase of bilateral cooperation will require systematic coordination, mutually beneficial projects, and deeper engagement between private sector stakeholders and government institutions.
Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, highlighted the growing importance of agricultural cooperation between the two countries. According to him, bilateral trade in agricultural products reached approximately $400 million in 2025, representing a 25 percent year-on-year increase.
Al Saleh noted that the UAE has become not only a major regional food importer but also a strategic gateway for distributing Russian agricultural products across the broader Islamic world.
Halal Industry and Logistics Cooperation in Focus
The discussion also emphasized the growing role of the halal industry, digital trade infrastructure, and innovative financial instruments supporting agricultural development and cross-border food trade.
Participants reviewed opportunities to establish joint logistics solutions aimed at facilitating exports to third-country markets while improving supply chain resilience and operational efficiency.
Officials also highlighted the significance of a recently signed agreement between the Russia-UAE Business Council and the UAE Food Cluster in Abu Dhabi. According to speakers, the agreement is expected to create new opportunities for practical cooperation between agribusiness companies and institutional stakeholders from both countries.
Major Industry Stakeholders Participate in Strategic Session
The session brought together representatives from major agricultural enterprises and industry organizations from both Russia and the UAE. Participating entities included Resource Group of Agricultural Enterprises, EcoNiva Group, National Pulse Group, the International Halal Standardization and Certification Center, and the UAE Businesswomen Council.
The discussions reflected broader efforts by Moscow and Abu Dhabi to diversify economic cooperation beyond energy and investment sectors, while addressing global concerns surrounding food security, trade sustainability, and supply chain resilience.
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