Mohamed bin Zayed and Emmanuel Macron deepen cooperation in several sectors
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed has travelled to France for the second time since becoming President of the United Arab Emirates to strengthen relations with Paris. Following his arrival in the French capital, the Emirati leader took part in a working dinner at the Elysee Palace with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, who expressed his delight at a new bilateral meeting.
"The UAE and France share a strong and historic partnership," Bin Zayed noted on his Twitter account. The Emirati president also noted that he met with Macron to "explore opportunities for further collaboration in various sectors". "Together we remain committed to promoting a stable and prosperous future for all," he added.
The UAE and France share a strong, historic partnership, and today in Paris I joined President Emmanuel Macron to explore opportunities for further collaboration across various sectors. Together, we remain committed to promoting a stable and prosperous future for all. pic.twitter.com/B9VSv9rct7
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) May 11, 2023
According to the Emirati news agency, WAM, Sheikh Bin Zayed and Macron discussed the strategic partnership between the two nations and agreed on ways to expand ties in all sectors, especially those of common interest, such as culture, environment, climate change, space and renewable energy. The two leaders agreed that it is a priority to seek and design collaborative measures to address the challenges of climate change, a key issue for both countries. In this regard, they highlighted the upcoming COP28 climate conference to be organised in the UAE later this year.
They also discussed regional and international developments, emphasising the need and importance of promoting peace, stability and cooperation between the two states. Bin Zayed and Macron also discussed investment, the economy, food security and advanced technology.
Suhail Al Mazrouei, Emirati Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, underlined the relevance of the talks between Bin Zayed and Macron as the UAE prepares to host a major international climate summit. "The two countries have successfully developed cooperation in various sectors of mutual interest, including political, economic, trade, cultural and educational cooperation," Al Mazrouei said in remarks reported by The National News. The Emirati energy and infrastructure minister said his country "will spare no effort to build a sustainable and prosperous world".
Body language here says a lot … President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed is very highly appreciated and respected by France President Macron 🙏🏼
pic.twitter.com/e0Txo6jCK6— حسن سجواني 🇦🇪 Hassan Sajwani (@HSajwanization) May 11, 2023
Regarding sustainability and the fight against global warming, Miriam Al Mheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said that the two countries can play a key role in protecting the planet. On the visit, Al Mheiri said she hoped for "greater cooperation" with Paris, especially on climate action.
For his part, Abdulla bin Touq, Minister of Economy, said that the Emirati-French partnership "has more opportunities for growth", according to the Emirati media. According to Bin Touq, the "privileged relationship" between the two countries has provided "fertile ground for growth and development". He recalled that more than 600 French companies operate in the Emirates, creating 30,000 jobs. The Emirates and France have also seen a steady increase in bilateral trade in recent years.
Special advisors to the Presidential Court also took part in the meeting, as well as Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the Supreme National Security Council; Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority; and Hend Al Otaiba, Emirati Ambassador to France, who announced the President's arrival in Paris. "This visit will be marked by a meeting to consolidate the strategic partnership and strengthen bilateral cooperation in different sectors," he said on Twitter.
Look: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, at the Élysée Palace
— Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) May 11, 2023
📸: AFPhttps://t.co/IR8D4lX2nr pic.twitter.com/8RXAXfDnbe
Last July, Paris and Abu Dhabi signed several energy agreements, including a partnership between Emirati oil company ADNOC and French energy giant TotalEnergies. The two sides also agreed to deepen cooperation in this field by identifying joint investment projects related to hydrogen, renewable and nuclear energy in France, the Emirates and other countries.
In addition to intensifying ties in the energy field, the European and Arab nations have signed memoranda of understanding to cooperate in other sectors such as education, health, culture, the economy, sustainability and even space research. All this bilateral cooperation is based on a 10-year roadmap reached by both countries in June 2020.
