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UAE-French Rapprochement on Challenges Facing Gulf Security | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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French President Emmanuel Macron accompanies Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan after a meeting about Qatar crisis at the Elysee Place in Paris, France, June 21, 2017. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes


Abu Dhabi – Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, met on Wednesday in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss bilateral relations and latest regional and international developments.

The Abu Dhabi crown prince is on a two-day visit to the French capital to highlight the strong ties between the Emirate and the European country.

During the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed conveyed the greetings of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Macron and the French people, reiterating his continued support to France in the wake of the current security challenges.

He noted that the UAE grants special importance to enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries, and deploys all efforts to develop these ties in the different cooperation fields.

He also stressed that the UAE-French relations were based on understanding, mutual respect and common interests.

“Bilateral relations between the UAE and [France] are not limited to the political military and economic arenas. Rather, they include culture, education, and scientific research,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

“This provides a greater depth for our two friendly countries because culture and knowledge can help achieve rapprochement and enhance ties between people,” he added.

The Abu Dhabi crown prince also said the UAE and France shared close views on risks to security in the Arabian Gulf, Middle East, and the world.

“Extremist and terrorist forces work to sabotage relations between people, religions, cultures, and civilizations to serve a suspicious agenda that damages global security and peace,” he stated.

Macron, for his part, said he hoped Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s visit would contribute to closer cooperation between the two countries.

He also underlined the need to maintain discussions on regional and international issues of mutual concern.