Partnering progress

France remains a strong ally of the UAE, maintaining close ties based on mutual understanding at all levels.

One of the first countries to recognise the formation of the UAE, France remains a strong ally of the country maintaining close political ties based on mutual understanding at all levels. Official relations between the two countries were initiated as early as 1972 when France established its embassy in the UAE capital.

"In recent years, political dialogue between France and the UAE has strengthened extensively. A common interest of ensuring regional stability and cooperation on all fronts has been our mutual priority. Our long-lasting relations rest on our similar political views and mutual respect we hold for each other," says Patrice Paoli, the French ambassador.

For France, the UAE is a key partner entailing frequent high-level visits. French President Jacques Chirac visited the UAE in November 2004 on the demise of Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The French President previously visited the UAE in 1997 and 2001.

Other recent visits by high-level dignitaries reflect a keenness to enhance ties and cooperation. These included the visits of former French Foreign Minister M. de Villepin last year, while this year the defence minister, minister of transport and tourism, Minister of trade and former minister of health visited the UAE to hold talks with their counterparts.

Positive outlook

More visits are expected in 2006, says Paoli. "We are positive that the forthcoming visits of French minister of trade Mrs Lagarde, the foreign minister M. Douste-Blazy, the minister of culture M. Donnedieu de Vabres and M. de Robien, minister of education, will mark further progress in our relationship."

France is a strategic partner for the UAE in defence. A defence treaty was signed between the two countries in 1995 with France pledging its commitment in preserving the country's national security. "Important regular joint military exercises and training activities are held in the UAE. The French and UAE armies operated together as ?brothers of arms' in Kosovo in 1999," says Paoli.

Trade between the UAE and France has steadily increased in the last 10 years. While in 2004 trade showed a decrease of 6.4 per cent compared to 2003, to 3.11 billion euros, the first nine months of 2005 registered a 16.2 per cent increase over the same period of 2004. Trade for this year has so far amounted to 2.517 billion euros making France one of the UAE's major trade partners.

The boost in trade figures is largely due to the major purchases of transport equipment, particularly aircraft, and the conclusion of several important contracts signed by French companies with their UAE partners, says Paoli.

On the other hand, the UAE's exports to France in 2004 increased by nearly 32 per cent over the previous year. The UAE's exports, which mainly comprise refined oil product, amounted to 463 million euros from January to September 2005 (an increase of 26 per cent compared to the same period last year).

The rapidly expanding French community in the UAE totals around 8,000, who are visible and active in all sectors of the economy. They are involved, directly or indirectly, in the main infrastructure projects of the country with a strong presence in consultancy, architecture, construction and the airline industry, says Paoli.

"Our aim is to boost partnerships between French companies and UAE national counterparts which is already quite encouraging. More than 200 French firms have a direct investment presence in the UAE while in 2003, the French direct investment stock in the UAE reached an impressive 608 million euros," he says.

The ambassador views exhibitions and trade fairs as important platforms to showcase the country's produce, as demonstrated by the strong presence of French companies in the Dubai Air Show. French firms, through Ubifrance (French Agency for International Business Development), have a significant presence in the main UAE trade fairs. In 2006, French pavilions are planned for many of the major exhibitions and trade fairs.

The French ambassador feels that more needs to be done to market France as a holiday destination. In order to attract more tourists from the UAE, Maison de La France - an agency in charge of French tourism - has decided to participate in the Arabian Travel Market fair in Dubai every year. The agency has planned to open an office in Dubai soon," says Paoli.

Cultural interaction between the two countries remains one of the main concerns of the French Embassy, and its efforts are supported by Alliance Française centres in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The main thrust of France-UAE co-operation is in advancing the French language. "While we provide private secondary schools with French teaching aids and an educational support, for the higher education zone we operate through the Department of French recently launched by the UAE University in Al Ain. We are also conducting various programmes with the higher colleges of technology and Zayed Universities."

The recent opening of a Sorbonne University branch in Abu Dhabi aims to offer French education to UAE nationals and other students. Additionally four French schools operate in the UAE with 3,100 pupils, says Paoli.