UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed arrives in France on ‘state visit’
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates, arrived in Paris on Sunday at the start of a state visit expected to include energy and transport deals, AFP reported.
In the first international destination since assuming office on May 14, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed ben Zayed Al Nahyan will meet with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Monday at the Élysée Palace, before meeting with other French officials, including the Prime Minister, according to the same source.
During the visit, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, will discuss with the French President relations of friendship, prospects for cooperation and joint action in various aspects, especially in the fields of future energy, climate change and advanced technology, in addition to strengthening cooperation in the sectors of education, culture and space, in light of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
The two sides will also discuss regional and international issues and developments of interest to both countries and ways to enhance security and stability in the region.
Relations between the UAE and France have grown significantly in recent years as Abu Dhabi is home to the only foreign branch of the Louvre.
In December, the UAE signed a record €14 billion contract to buy 80 Rafale fighter jets, AFP reported.
The UAE is home to the largest French and Francophone expatriate community in the Gulf region.
Anne Gadel, a Gulf expert, said the France visit “has of course a very symbolic dimension and illustrates the good personal relationship between Macron and Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed,” but it would “be centered on energy issues at a time when European countries are concerned about rising inflation driven by higher energy prices.”
French politicians anticipated the visit of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, to Paris, emphasizing its importance as it is the first official international destination for him. They described the visit as “historic”.
