UAE President, Macron look at strengthening ties

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met his "friend President Emmanuel Macron" at the Elysée Palace during his first official state visit since assuming office.

Taking to his official Twitter handle, Sheikh Mohamed called France "a close strategic ally of the UAE".

"Our countries enjoy longstanding partnerships across many fields. We look forward to further collaborations and strengthening ties towards a prosperous future," he wrote.

I was pleased to arrive in France, a close strategic ally of the UAE, and meet my friend President Emmanuel Macron. Our countries enjoy longstanding partnerships across many fields. We look forward to further collaborations and strengthening ties towards a prosperous future. pic.twitter.com/6V99L8CCF2

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) July 18, 2022

The leaders discussed opportunities for collaborating and expanding their longstanding partnership.

They also reviewed new agreements that expand decades of partnership and collaboration between the UAE and France across investment, the economy, cultural exchange, scientific innovation, advanced technology, future energy, food security, and climate change.

His Highness discussed the important role that France has undertaken in the Middle East, noting his interest in continuing to work together with France to promote peace, stability, and security for all in the region.

Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu led a formal reception for Sheikh Mohamed in Paris' Army Museum on Monday.

His Highness received a guard of honour and the national anthems of both countries were performed by a military band.

Later, Sheikh Mohamed visited the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte located within the Dôme des Invalides.

وصول صاحب السمو الشيخ #محمد_بن_زايد، رئيس الدولة، إلى متحف الجيش#محمد_بن_زايد_في_فرنسا #قناة_أبوظبي pic.twitter.com/gq5t2Mqmf1

— قناة أبوظبي (@abudhabitv) July 18, 2022

In the evening, President Macron will host a state dinner in the UAE ruler's honour at the Grand Trianon.

His Highness is also set to meet several French officials during his two-day visit, including Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne; President of the Senate Gérard Larcher; and President of the National Assembly Yaël Braun-Pivet.