(Abu Dhabi) – H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, met with Russian Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov, in the presence of President Rustam Minnikhanov of Tatarstan, and later witnessed the signing of an agreement at the International Defence Exhibition, IDEX 2019.
Sheikh Abdullah welcomed the Russian minister’s visit to the UAE and praised the progressive ties between the two countries and their keenness to develop cooperation in various fields for the benefit of the two friendly peoples.
Manturov said his country is looking forward to deepening bilateral cooperation with the UAE, particularly in the industrial domains. He lauded the pioneering status attained by the UAE, both regionally and internationally.
Later, Sheikh Abdullah, Manturov and President Minnikhanov attended the signing of an agreement between the Tawazun Economic Council’s Defence and Security Development Fund, DSDF, and the Russian luxury car maker Aurus. Under the agreement, the DSDF will invest AED460 million (110 million Euros) to acquire a 36 percent share in the Aurus.
The agreement was signed between Abdullah Nasser Al Jaabari, Chief Officer and Head of the DSDF; Sergey Gaysin, Director-General of the Central Scientific Research Automobile and Automotive Engine Institute “NAMI”, and Nikolay Sobolev, First Deputy of the CEO of Russian Automotive Gathering, “Sollers”.
Also present were Saif Mohamed Al Hajeri, Chairman of Department of Economic Development, and Tareq Abdul Raheem Al Hosani, CEO of Tawazun Economic Council.
Commenting on the occasion, Tareq Abdul Raheem Al Hosani, said “We are proud of our strategic partnership with the Central Scientific Research Automobile and Automotive Engine Institute “NAMI” in the Aurus. We look forward to working together and investing in the company’s manufacturing process to support them in becoming pioneers in the manufacturing of luxurious and armoured cars both locally and globally.”
Al Hosani explained that this agreement stems from Tawazun’s commitment to support the UAE’s strategic vision of investing in advanced industries. He added that Tawazun will be working closely with its Russian partner in the development of the brand and promoting its products in the UAE and the region. Al Hosani highlighted that the DSDF has developed several funding mechanisms to local businesses, and remains steadfast in its approach to develop strategic technology investments that would serve the defence and security industry.
Commenting on the occasion, Gerhard Hilgert, Chief Executive Officer of Aurus, said, “We are delighted to have Tawazun on board as investors. This investment will help us develop our manufacturing lines, enhance and elevate our products, and enable us to access the international market in the years to come. We look forward to working with a strategic and renowned partner, such as Tawazun, as we embark on our journey of developing and promoting our brand in the UAE and the region.”
Sheikh Abdullah, Manturov and President Minnikhanov viewed the luxury car Aurus, which has unique characteristics, combining classic designs, a powerful engine, safety features and advanced technology.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Abdullah toured the national pavilions at the IDEX. He viewed Wahash, an 8×8 amphibious Infantry Fighting Vehicle, which is made by the Emirati company Calidus. He also viewed the B-250 Bader aircraft, also manufactured by Calidus.
