UAE, French Presidents Pledge to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation

Arabia, Dec 22 : The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Sunday held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The two leaders reviewed the long-standing strategic partnership between the UAE and France and explored ways to deepen cooperation across key sectors, including the economy and investment, culture, renewable energy, advanced technology, artificial intelligence and sustainability, according to state run Emirates News Agency, as cited by Xinhua.

France and the UAE share close defence ties, with the Gulf nation being one of the major buyers of French military equipment, including fighter jets. Media reports said Paris is considering expanding cooperation with Abu Dhabi on its future combat aircraft programme, amid uncertainties surrounding the participation of European partners.

During his visit, Macron also met French troops stationed in the UAE. According to media reports, he announced that France has granted final approval to replace its flagship nuclear powered aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, as part of a long-term defence modernisation programme.

Macron is on a working visit to the UAE to spend the end of year holidays with French forces deployed abroad and to hold discussions with Emirati leaders on bilateral ties and regional stability.

In a post on social media, the French president said his discussions with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed focused on further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries, particularly in support of stability in the Middle East.