In contemporary Russia, which has been subject to various boycotts since 2014 and even more so since the war in Ukraine, political decisions have economic dimensions, and economic choices have geopolitical aims. In addition to his leading allies, Vladimir Putin is seeking to diversify his partnerships in order to obtain diplomatic goodwill, as well as ways to circumvent economic sanctions. Africa Insights Wake up to the essential with the Editor's picks. The Russian minister, while in Abu Dhabi, assured everyone that trade between his country and those of the Mena region has increased by 83% in five years, due to revitalised bilateral partnerships, but also to recalibrated collaborations via the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The United Arab Emirates, which is hosting the Annual Investment Meeting, has been a strategic regional partner of Washington for decades.

Source: The North Africa Journal May 17, 2023 11:51 UTC