H.H. Sheikh Abdullah, French FM discuss regional developments

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, discussed an array of regional and international issues of mutual interest with Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Jean-Noël Barrot, on Friday. 

They also spoke about cooperation and strategic partnership between the two friendly countries.

Historically, the relationship between the UAE and France dates back to the establishment of the UAE, when French oil companies, such as Total, worked on oil exploration in the UAE. 

Since then, high-level official visits, regular meetings, and increasing cooperation have strengthened the partnership.

The UAE-France Strategic Dialogue, established in 2008, aims to identify existing and future opportunities and partnerships and ensure continuity of cooperation in priority sectors such as the economy, trade, investment, culture, oil, gas, nuclear and renewable energy, education, culture, health, space, security and other areas of mutual interest. 

The 2024 edition of the Dialogue examined a range of regional security issues and expressed their continued commitment to peace, stability, and security, stressing the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Trade between the UAE and France reached $7.6 billion (AED 27 billion) last year and is expected to increase this year amid the deepening of investment and trade ties between the two countries.