Dubai: Emmanuel Macron, President of France, reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening political and business ties between the UAE and France as he addressed delegates at the UAE-France Business Forum in Dubai on Thursday.
During his address, Macron highlighted the shared values of culture, civilisation and economy between the UAE and France. He spoke about the need to “create a new world for the young generation, based on respect, tolerance, and reason,” and emphasised the role of business and education to achieve these goals.
He noted that the UAE and France were making great strides in promoting innovation, and building smart cities.
The French President said that Expo 2020 was the beginning of a new phase that will witness new projects and new perspectives.
He stated that Expo 2020 would be a great occasion to defend the UAE and France’s shared values, and added that it is extremely important for France to be a part of the mega event, as it aligns with the country’s ambition to “create a new face of France in mobility and energy.”
Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai, thanked Macron for his contribution to Expo 2020 Dubai and spoke about the historical collaboration in culture and civilisation that the UAE and France have shared.
She expressed her hope for Expo 2020 Dubai to deliver on the theme of bringing countries and people together through collaborations and partnerships, in a way that will benefit future generations.
Government and business leaders from the UAE and France called for strategic cooperation between the two countries on Thursday at the UAE-France Business Forum in Dubai.
In his welcome remarks, Hamad Buamim, President and CEO of Dubai Chamber, spoke about the strong trade and investment ties that the UAE and France share, and noted that there is plenty of scope to expand collaboration to new sectors and areas such as smart city solutions, sciences and health care, and technology.
‘No coincidence’
Benjamin Griveaux, France’s State Secretary to the Ministry of Economy and Finance, meanwhile, said that the decision of Macron, to visit the UAE on his first mission to the Middle East was not a coincidence, and reflected the strong relations between the two countries.
Griveaux noted that the forum provided an ideal opportunity for the UAE and France to celebrate their partnership and reinforce their bilateral relations for the future, especially with Expo 2020 Dubai on the horizon.
He pointed out that mobility-focused French companies have been very active in the UAE, adding that a number of them are developing Al Maktoum International Airport, which is set to become the biggest airport in the world.
The event, organised by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was focused on the areas of innovation, mobility and sustainability, all key pillars of the Expo 2020 Dubai.
