When Putin met Hazzaa

Russia's President took time to meet with the UAE's first astronaut during his jam-packed day-long visit to the emirates.

Amidst signing a number of agreements with the UAE in key sectors such as trade, investment, energy, sustainability and environment, Vladimir Putin personally congratulated Hazza Al Mansoori on his successful mission to the International Space Station (ISS). 

He also praised the emirates for sending its first astronaut to space and said Russia would continue to support the country's space ambitions.

Al Mansoori created history on September 25 when he became the first UAE national in space and the first Arab on the ISS.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, along with Russian President, Vladimir Putin, meet with @astro_hazzaa and @Astro_Alneyadi.#MBRSC pic.twitter.com/BU59muuIRW

— MBR Space Centre (@MBRSpaceCentre) October 15, 2019