Abu Dhabi – Paris (WAM)
At the invitation of His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State “may God protect him”, paid a two-day state visit to the French Republic (18-19 July 2022).
His Excellency President Emmanuel Macron once again offered his sincere condolences on the death of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may God have mercy on him, who was an exceptional leader who was respected and appreciated by the world. His Excellency extended his warm congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on his election as President of the UAE. He wished the people of the UAE continued progress and prosperity under the leadership of His Highness. His Excellency also thanked His Highness for accepting the invitation on his first state visit to France, which dealt with the well-established strategic relations between the two countries. The two presidents commended the depth of the strategic partnership between the UAE and France, which is based on solid friendship and mutual trust between the two countries, stressing the joint commitment towards expanding the horizons of bilateral cooperation in all fields and working together in facing global and regional challenges.
The crisis in Ukraine
The two presidents expressed their deep concern about the war in Ukraine, its horrific impact on civilians, its repercussions on the humanitarian situation and its effects on global commodity markets. They stressed the urgent need to intensify diplomatic efforts to reach a solution to the crisis. His Highness praised President Macron’s tireless efforts in this regard.
Energy and food security
The two presidents discussed a set of regional and global opportunities and challenges.. They agreed to work together to find solutions to mitigate their impact on the two countries and the world.. They also agreed to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership in the field of energy between the UAE and France, which represents an important step towards enhancing energy security and stabilizing its cost. . The two presidents also welcomed the agreement between the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company “ADNOC” and “Total Energy” on the provision of fuel with the aim of increasing the security of fuel supplies in France. In the same context, the UAE affirmed its support for global efforts on food security and its work with France to find ways to ease the continuing pressures on the global supply system, and announced its support for the initiative “Strengthening resilience in the areas of food and agriculture (FARM)”, especially with regard to the adoption of a trade system. It is characterized by openness, transparency and flexibility, as well as the provision of relevant information to support the Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS).
Economy, investment and industry
The two presidents expressed their common aspirations to continue expanding the distinguished economic partnership between the two countries, based on the promising investment partnership launched in December 2021. The two sides expressed their interest in developing bilateral cooperation in areas of common interests and capabilities. The two sides also commended the UAE-French Businessmen Council, which was launched during His Highness’ visit to France, which aims to open new horizons and raise the level of bilateral cooperation in a number of sectors of common interest to serve the markets of the two countries. The two sides noted the importance of the council as one of the important channels for expanding constructive cooperation between the business communities in the two countries, and affirmed their common desire to hold the inaugural meeting of the council during the coming period.
climate action
The two presidents stressed the importance of climate action, which is a top priority for the two countries, expressing the common aspirations and goals of the two countries in this important field.. President Macron congratulated the UAE on its choice to host the 28th session of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (COP-28/) , whose work will be launched in 2023, and affirmed France’s readiness to provide full support and share its experience in organizing the twenty-first session of the conference itself. The two sides also signed a memorandum of understanding on climate action to enhance prospects for joint cooperation between France and the UAE. The French side congratulated the UAE on the successful operation of its peaceful nuclear energy program. The two sides stressed the important role of nuclear energy in supporting the two countries’ efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the energy sectors and their determination to continue solid cooperation in this sector through the exchange of technical expertise and the provision of technology and nuclear fuel.. on areas of research and development. The two sides also commended the progress made in terms of the memorandum of understanding on decarbonized hydrogen, and with regard to marine research and development efforts, the two sides agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation to develop a marine research program to promote a sustainable blue economy.
peace and stability
The two presidents realize the importance of this strategic partnership as it is an essential element in the joint and reciprocal cooperation efforts towards achieving peace and stability in the region and beyond. The UAE and France, as founding members of the International Security Alliance since 2017, affirmed their commitment to combating extremism and cross-border crime, by exchanging experiences and continuing to strengthen joint efforts with the rest of the member states. The two presidents discussed prospects for promoting peace, dialogue and diplomacy in the region, and expressed their hope that the nuclear negotiations with Iran would lead to an agreement that guarantees strengthening regional security.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may God protect him, praised the success of the Baghdad Conference on Partnership and Cooperation, while President Macron praised the Abrahamic Agreement, which contributes to spreading peace and prosperity in the region by extending bridges and cooperation. The two presidents emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to promote peace and prosperity. Looking outside the region, the two presidents noted the importance of the multilateral system as an ideal way to increase mutual understanding and trust at the international level, at a time when collective cooperation is most needed. President Macron praised the UAE’s role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, while His Highness the Head of State praised the multilateral achievements made during the French presidency of the European Union. In this regard, the two presidents reiterated their commitment to expanding and developing the historical cooperation between the two countries and opening new horizons for cooperation in all fields… to enhance their role in achieving peace and stability in the region and beyond.
The medical section
The two presidents agreed on the importance of the health sector and the main areas of cooperation between the two countries, which can be expanded as they are among the priority areas for development and the exchange of experiences between the UAE and France. The project for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases emanating from the joint cooperation between the Abu Dhabi Center for Public Health and public hospitals in Paris is one example of successful cooperation.. Under the memorandum of understanding signed in December 2020, the project was implemented by a team of French experts.. The project succeeded in promoting Growth, sustainability and global competitiveness in this field, as well as the exchange of experiences and information. The two sides welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the Pasteur Institute and the Abu Dhabi Center for Public Health, noting the possibility that this cooperation could yield positive results for both parties. The two sides also referred to the potential for cooperation in the field of higher education that focuses on developing expertise in the field of health care.
Education, culture and space
The two sides recognize the importance of education, culture and science as one of the most important pillars of the bilateral relationship between the two countries, stressing the importance of current projects such as Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, and efforts to expand cooperation in the field of higher education with French educational centers such as Ecole 42 and Normandy Business School (EM). Normandie) and the European School of Commerce (ESCP). The two sides showed great interest in future projects, such as the Rubika Vocational School, calling for strengthening cooperation in the UAE with French higher education institutions and expanding the scope of teaching French in Emirati schools.
The two presidents also discussed the possibilities of exploring new opportunities for cultural cooperation, after the successful partnership embodied in the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum. As the space sector is one of the main catalysts for the development of science and technology, the UAE and French sides signed several agreements related to Earth observation and initiatives on climate change and moon exploration, in order to strengthen and consolidate cooperation in this important field.
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