Le premier magazine international entre les Emirats arabes unis et la France, notamment entre Abu Dhabi, Dubaï et Paris.
June 2023 By Jérôme Lamy, In Paris
His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to Paris, where he was ceremoniously received by Emmanuel Macron, confirms the President of the United Arab Emirates’ core position among leaders on the world stage.
Yes, indeed! His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was welcomed in Paris, in the middle of the month of July, by French President Emmanuel Macron, with all the ceremony that his status commands. The vital presence of the President of the United Arab Emirates occupies a central position on the global stage of influential leaders. France and its President have really expressed this. But while words are fine, actions are better. Escorted by the Republican Guard from the Hôtel National des Invalides to the Presidential palace at the Elysée, for a one-on-one lunch with Emmanuel Macron and dinner in the fascinating and dazzling setting of the Grand Trianon at the Palace of Versailles, nothing was left to chance in welcoming the boss of France’s main ally and friend in the Middle East.
Photos of these two major world leaders, the tenacity of their youth and the pertinence of their geo-political, strategic, and economic position, were naturally relayed across the world. The reaction to MBZ was unanimous across the three days of his visit to the French capital. Observers remarked on the charisma, benevolence, approachability, and graciousness of the newest recipient of the Grand Cross of the National Order of the Legion of Honour, traditionally given on a state visit.
Proof of the excellent relations between Paris and Abu Dhabi. His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan chose France for his first trip outside the Arabian Peninsula since his election as President of the UAE, after the death of Sheikh Kalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. «I am very pleased that the new President of the Emirates has decided to come to France for his first state visit, » Emmanuel Macron said, "I appreciate his interest and I am fully aware of its magnitude. »
Inevitably, the discussions between France and the United Arab Emirates as the second oil producer in the Middle East generally focussed on energy themes and especially UAE diesel. And even if historical strategic defence and security partnerships were major topics, close collaboration regarding health, culture and renewable energy sectors were also on the menu.
The success of the Louvre Museum at Abu Dhabi being one of the greatest achievements of the France-United Arab Emirates relationship. « We have political and economic ties, but our cultural cooperation represents our greatest achievement, » His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan confirmed. « It comes from the heart of this strategic partnership. I am sure Emmanuel Macron will agree. » « Abu Dhabi and France have made an iconic joint effort for their culture and their youth, in particular the Louvre Museum and the Sorbonne University, » the French President explained. « The United Arab Emirates have also become a familiar and regular destination for the people of France and more than 25,000 of our citizens have singled out the UAE as a French desired destination of choice. »
Emmanuel Macron is mapping future relations between France and the UAE with ardour and relish. « In his new presidential duties, His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is continuing his efforts to make the United Arab Emirates an influential member within the international arena for addressing global and regional challenges, » the French President said. « France has been and will remain a faithful friend to you in fulfilling these aims. Our relationship is based on two main pillars: loyalty and reliability. The Emirates have a strong, stable, diversified, and growing economy. I have faith in the future for our countries to build new bilateral relations together. »
His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also has a defined purpose and many aspirations for the years to come. « Through joint action, the two countries can offer more opportunities to strengthen their relationships, » he says. « France and the United Arab Emirates have an obligation to contribute to establish peace and security in the region and in the world. »
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Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan occupies a central position on the global stage of influential leaders.
Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan : « France and the United Arab Emirates have an obligation to contribute to establish peace and security in the world. »
