Macron visits Abu Dhabi: Security and counterterrorism cooperation between UAE and France

Ahmed Adel

On Friday, December 3, the United Arab Emirates and France affirmed their commitment to support efforts to promote peace and stability at the regional and international levels, and a growing and continuous military cooperation to enhance security and stability in the region.

In a joint statement, the two countries stressed that political processes and building bridges of communication through dialogue remain the best way to achieve sustainable solutions to conflicts and disputes.

The two sides emphasized that linking stability and prosperity is a priority in order to achieve regional peace and security.

The statement of the two countries noted that exceptional achievements have been achieved through the strategic partnership between the UAE and France in the past thirty years, confirming their commitment to strengthening this relationship and paving new ways for its future.

The joint statement, issued by the UAE and France on the occasion of President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the UAE, stated that President Macron congratulated the UAE on its 50th National Day and its golden jubilee, which fell on December 2.

According to the statement, President Macron valued the achievements of the UAE during the past fifty years, in addition to extending congratulations on the occasion of choosing the UAE to host the Conference of Parties (COP 28) in 2023.

The UAE and France stressed the importance of seizing this opportunity to work together in addressing the global threat posed by climate change, in addition to finalizing the implementation of the rules of the Paris Agreement and the financial mobilization of developing countries most affected by climate change.

The statement indicated that Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, expressed his aspiration to work alongside France and the international community to push global efforts to confront the repercussions of climate change and protect the environment, in addition to creating a more sustainable economic future.

The statement affirmed the two countries’ commitment to directing efforts towards supporting developing countries to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, in addition to increasing support for the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

The two countries also expressed their desire to work side by side during the UAE’s non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council for the period 2022-2023, as well as during France’s presidency of the European Union, focusing on a number of priorities, including promoting stability, peace and prosperity, empowering women, and benefiting from the possibilities of technological innovation.

The statement noted the exceptional achievements made through the strategic partnership between the two countries in the past thirty years and affirmed their commitment to strengthening this relationship and paving new ways for its future.

It pointed out that one of the most important pillars of this strategic partnership is the defense agreement signed in 1995 and renewed in 2009, which contributed significantly to achieving Emirati and French security priorities by enhancing regional stability, enhancing maritime security, and enabling the confrontation of terrorism, especially against ISIS.

Rafale deal

The two sides reiterated the strengthening of this partnership by France supplying the UAE Air Force with 80 Rafale combat aircraft, in addition to 12 Caracal helicopters, including armament, training and spare parts. The total value of these contracts is €16.6 billion.

Both sides also agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in combating terrorism and combating the financing of terrorism and extremism.

In this regard, the two countries stressed the importance of promoting the values of peace, moderation, coexistence and tolerance among peoples.

Libya

The statement added that Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan congratulated President Macron on the success of the international conference on Libya that was held in Paris recently.

Sheikh Mohamed expressed his appreciation for the various French diplomatic initiatives in the region and their positive impact on encouraging dialogue and reducing tensions.

The two sides expressed their hope for the successful organization of the Libyan elections within the agreed time frame, as well as the withdrawal of all mercenaries, fighters and foreign forces from Libya.

The statement added that Sheikh Mohamed and the French president affirmed their commitment to support efforts to promote peace and stability at the regional and international levels.

The two sides stressed that political processes and building bridges of communication through dialogue still represent the best way to achieve sustainable solutions to conflicts and disputes.

Iran’s nuclear program

The statement touched on the issue of the Iranian nuclear program talks and the importance of reaching a negotiated solution.

It noted “the UAE’s vision of focusing on de-escalation and cooperation to achieve shared prosperity in the future.”

Abrahamic Accords

In this context, President Macron renewed his congratulations to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the importance of the Abrahamic Accords as a bold step towards achieving peace and stability in the region.

The statement referred to the success of the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum as the main symbol of the strategic cultural cooperation between the two countries and the lasting legacy of the close bilateral relations.

In this regard, they welcomed the extension of the government agreement that solidifies the development of this unique museum in the region in the future, and both sides called for the implementation of new projects to advance cultural cooperation.

The two countries stressed the importance of the agreements signed by the two sides, worth more than €15 billion, to strengthen the strategic investment partnership between the UAE and France.