Propping up warmer UAE-French relations, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, visited Paris this week on the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron.
This visit, which took place on the occasion of the Year of Zayed, commemorating the centennial of the birth of Sheikh Zayed, founding father and first President of the UAE, was a new testimony of the strength of the historic partnership and ties between Paris and Abu Dhabi.
The UAE Crown Prince also met with Prime Minister Édouard Philippe to discuss and revise the two countries’ visions for tackling Middle East affairs and crises.
Following meetings, the French foreign ministry issued a joint statement which included a revision for all areas of cooperation between the two countries.
Both countries are also bound by a mutual defense pact dating back to the 1990s, and a strategic partnership across many fields.
The UAE has been seeking closer ties with France, especially in military relations.
A French naval base opened in 2009 near Abu Dhabi, reflecting Paris’ deepening military cooperation with the UAE.
It also stations troops and planes at Al-Dhafra Air Base, home to some of the 5,000 American troops in the country.
Culturally, Abu Dhabi also agreed to pay France $525 million for the use of the "Louvre" name for the next 30 years and six months for its new museum.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian also hosted his counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed at a lunch at the Quai d’Orsay ahead of a signing ceremony for two new agreements.
