UAE | Government
Relationship with France is top priority for UAE, Abdullah says
Countries to sign agreement on appointing Emiratis at missions where UAE has no presence.
- By Samir Salama, Associate Editor
- Published: 22:38 May 25, 2009
- Image Credit: WAM
- Sarkozy being received by Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed AlNahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of PresidentialAffairs.
Abu Dhabi: Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said on Monday that the strategic co-operation with France is a top priority for the UAE's foreign policy, because it cements stability and development in the Gulf.
The UAE and France are due to sign a memorandum of understanding that provides for appointing Emirati diplomats at French missions in countries in which the UAE has no diplomatic missions.
Nicholas Sarcozy, President of the French Republic, arrived in the UAE last night. President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sarkozy will formally inaugurate the French Maritime Base in Abu Dhabi today.
Welcoming Sarkozy's state visit, Shaikh Abdullah reiterated the UAE's interest in widening the avenues of joint cooperation and investment between both nations and valued the successful cultural and scientific convergence between the UAE and France.
This was reflected by the establishment of the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum at the Saadiyat Island, the Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and the UAE's contribution to restoration of the Palace of Fontainebleau, the largest French royal palace and park.
Speaking at a regional maritime security conference in Abu Dhabi, Shaikh Abdullah also cited the landmark nuclear co-operation agreement between the UAE and France, which provides a framework for cooperation between the two countries in the evaluation and potential use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
Related Links
- French Air Force aircraft at the Al Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi on Monday. France is setting up its first military base in the UAE, which will be the first in the Middle East.
- Abu Dhabi military base will help fight piracy, says French minister
- Nicolas Sarkozy: Colonies mar peace
- Sarkozy: UAE major trade partner
- UAE's first foreign army base
- To hold talks with Khalifa, Mohammad
Under the agreement, the UAE and France set up a high-level joint committee to supervise cooperation in the areas of nuclear power generation, water desalination, basic and applied research, as well as in agronomy, earth sciences, medicine and industry.
The UAE is France's largest trade partner in the Middle East, with the French investments in the UAE amounting to more than Dh3 billion.
French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said France's first military base in the Gulf will fight piracy, safeguard crucial oil and gas routes and protect environment against pollution.
More from UAE Government
More from UAE
Latest news
- Tracks to be laid on recycled material
- Golden Hour crucial to a patient's survival
- Opening show worthy of UAE
- Sun is shining on prospects for solar power
- Artists focus on craftsmanship
- World leaders committed to supporting civilians
- Schools open a new page in teaching English
- Special parking to help disabled tourists
- Helping hand surgeons have long sought
- Blind woman lights up corridors of power
- In Mind
- At times, I think of committing suicide
- Designer of a creative haven
- Fund to help Dubai taxi drivers' families
- New life-saving fleet of vehicles
Community Reports
-
Warming up to ‘Mobilise the Earth' theme
Dubai school dedicates a whole week to celebrating Earth Day with can-collection drives, sapling plantation and painting competition among others
-
Drivers using mobiles put others' lives at risk
Speeding is dangerous for the driver and other motorists
-
Supporting the needy with food supplies
Group of families engaged in serving isolated labour community hopes to motivate more people to help underprivileged and hungry
-
Leukaemia boy granted wish to meet footballer
Emirati meets hero Al Qahtani, Al Ain team
