UAE denounces downing of Russian jet by Turkey

The UAE Foreign Affairs Minister has denounced the downing of the Russian fighter jet by Turkey. Speaking at the conclusion of the joint UAE-Russia Committee meeting in Abu Dhabi, Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan also denounced the downing of the Russian passenger aircraft in Sinai, it has been reported by Arabi 21.

“The UAE is outraged by the terrorist acts that were recently witnessed by many states,” Bin Zayed told the media. He hailed the “distinguished relations” between his country and Russia, noting their marked improvement in recent years.

The foreign minister met with Russia’s minister of industry and commerce, who chaired the delegation from Moscow. He stressed that there will be ongoing visits and communication between the two countries, as well as an exchange of viewpoints on the many challenges and issues in the region.

Last Tuesday, the Turkish air force shot down a Russian Sukhoi 24 all-weather bomber close to the Syrian border. The Turks maintain that the Russian jet violated Turkish air space and was warned repeatedly before it was shot down.

Toward the end of October, a Russian passenger plane crashed in the Sinai Peninsula shortly after take-off from Sharm El-Sheikh Airport. All 224 people on board were killed. Daesh has claimed responsibility for bringing down the plane using a bomb that was smuggled on board.