The pledge was made during the talks held by the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with French President Francois Hollande at Al Dhiyafa Palace on Tuesday afternoon.
Shaikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President’s Representative, and General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, attended the talks.
The UAE President welcomed the visit of Hollande and the delegation accompanying him, praising the growing cooperation and ties between the UAE and France in all fields. Shaikh Khalifa noted that the visit will strengthen cooperation between the two countries. He referred to the role of France to curb crises and conflicts both at the regional and international levels.
The talks discussed bilateral relations and joint cooperation, and how to improve them in the best interest of the two peoples. They also exchanged views on the latest developments at the regional and international levels, as well as on a number of other issues.
The two sides expressed satisfaction at the growth of the bilateral relations that aim to strengthen the economic partnership and bilateral investment in the UAE and France.
The French President hailed the huge achievements made by the UAE under Shaikh Khalifa’s leadership. “ France is planning to expand cooperation with the UAE, especially in the areas of economy, trade, technology and culture,” he emphasised. President Hollande referred to the UAE’s efforts regarding international cooperation in the area of renewable energy. The French President welcomed setting up of joint projects between the UAE and French businessmen and the opening of new avenues for trade cooperation.
Shaikh Khalifa conferred on Hollande the Zayed Order, while Hollande conferred on Shaikh Khalifa membership of the French Legion of Honour, the highest decoration bestowed by the nation. He also conferred on the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince France’s National Order of Merit, in recognition of the growing ties.
