Khalaf said in an intervention on ‘Sputnik’ radio: ‘The most prominent areas of cooperation between the two parties, especially in the field of energy, investments through the Russian Investment Fund, in addition to cooperation in real estate, and the adoption of local currency exchange in light of the sanctions.’ Khalaf believes that ‘the upcoming Arab summit to be held in Moscow this fall is an important event, conveying a message to Europe, the United States, and even China, that Russia is acting independently and organizing its relations with a region of great political, economic, and geopolitical importance, both for Russia and the world, countering all narratives about Russia’s international isolation.’ The researcher in Russian affairs pointed out ‘the role played by the UAE as a mediator in several issues, especially the conflict in Ukraine and the prisoner exchange file,’ noting ‘the obstruction of these efforts by the U.S. administration and because of the lack of independent decision-making in Kyiv.’
