MOSCOW, May 14. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a message to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, congratulating him on his election as President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the press service of the Kremlin reported on Saturday.

"I am certain that your leadership will further strengthen the friendly Russian-Emirati relations and mutually beneficial cooperation. I look forward to continuing our constructive dialogue and joint work on important issues of the bilateral and international agenda," the message reads.

Earlier on Saturday the UAE’s Federal Supreme Council elected Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as President of the United Arab Emirates.

UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan died on Friday at the age of 73 after a serious illness.