French President seeks “long-term partnership” with UAE

French President Emmanuel Macron will visit the United Arab Emirates on Friday, and is expected to announce a number of contracts with French companies, AFP reported Élysée Palace as saying Tuesday.

The visit will discuss a number of issues, including the multiple crises in the Middle East, the fight against terrorism, the crisis in Lebanon, the presidential elections in Libya, and other topics.

During Macron’s visit, it is expected that the purchase of dozens of Rafale fighter jets will be announced by the United Arab Emirates. There has been no word from the Élysée Palace or the Dassault Aircraft Industry Group about this.

French President Macron will arrive in Dubai on Thursday night, Friday, a day after the United Arab Emirates celebrated its 50th anniversary. He will meet with the Crown Prince of Abou Dabi, Sheikh Mohammed ben Zayed Al Nahyane.

The French presidency said that Paris has a long-standing partnership with the UAE, adding that the visit will strengthen its political, strategic and defense capabilities, as well as its economic and cultural role.

UAE President Anwar Gargash’s diplomatic advisor said earlier on Tuesday that his country and France will sign major contracts when French President Emmanuel Macron visits the UAE, according to Reuters.

When asked whether Abou Dabi will buy French-made Rafale fighter jets, Gargash told reporters: “I don’t want to spoil the birthday gift on the president”.

He added: This is an excellent relationship, and various agreements will be signed, after the visit of the French President, the relationship will be broader in different areas.