UAE, France reaffirm strategic partnership at Abu Dhabi dialogue

The UAE and France have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their partnership during the 18th Strategic Dialogue, held in Abu Dhabi.

The talks were co-chaired by Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the UAE Executive Affairs Authority, and Martin Briens, Secretary-General of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, with senior officials from both countries also taking part.

The two sides stressed their shared commitment to expanding cooperation across key sectors, including trade, investment, artificial intelligence, energy, aviation, healthcare, education, culture, nuclear energy and space exploration.

On regional developments, the UAE and France strongly condemned Iran’s attacks targeting the UAE, GCC states, Jordan and other countries in the region, describing them as violations of sovereignty and international law.

They also rejected threats to international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, warning that any disruption to freedom of navigation poses a serious threat to global security and energy markets.

The two sides also discussed major regional and international issues, reaffirming support for a two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians, backing Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability, calling for an immediate humanitarian truce in Sudan, and supporting efforts toward a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

France also welcomed the UAE’s continued mediation efforts in prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine.

Economically, both countries highlighted growing partnerships between Emirati and French entities in artificial intelligence, renewable and nuclear energy, aviation infrastructure, and advanced technologies.

Discussions also covered opportunities linked to the Al Maktoum International Airport project and expanding air traffic cooperation between the two countries.

Cultural cooperation remained a key focus, with both sides praising the continued success of Louvre Abu Dhabi and ongoing collaboration in publishing, cinema, gaming and creative industries ahead of the museum’s tenth anniversary in 2027.

The dialogue also highlighted expanding cooperation in healthcare, education, scientific research and space technology, including work on the Rashid lunar missions and partnerships in artificial intelligence and quantum technologies.

At the close of the session, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepening their long-standing partnership and advancing shared strategic interests through continued cooperation.

UAE-France Strategic Dialogue reaffirms commitment to advancing shared priorities#WamNews https://t.co/frwhfQ9Jd1 pic.twitter.com/m4XYyhlIAu

— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) May 7, 2026