Sharjah 24 – WAM: The 16th session of the UAE-France Strategic Dialogue, which took place in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, affirmed the two nations' commitment to boosting their cooperation and strategic ties in vital sectors.
The dialogue builds on the long-standing strategic partnership between the UAE and the French Republic, and aligns with the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic.
Co-chaired by Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority, and Anne-Marie Descotes, Secretary-General of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Strategic Dialogue aims to further enhance cooperation between the UAE and France in key areas of interest.
UAE attendees at the Strategic Dialogue included Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State; Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President; Sara Musallam, Minister of State for Early Education and Chairperson of Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge; and Mansoor Al Mansoori, Chairman of Department of Health - Abu Dhabi. The delegations also included ambassadors of both countries, as well as officials from key entities representing priority sectors in both countries.
The Strategic Dialogue between the UAE and France underscored their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations across various sectors, including trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, and advanced technology. Both parties reiterated their dedication to resolving business and investment challenges and fostering shared opportunities.
In the realm of nuclear energy, the UAE and France have sustained successful partnership and industrial cooperation, focusing on training, research, and development. They are exploring avenues for further collaboration, including potential ventures in new builds and Small Nuclear Reactors.
Emphasizing the role of nuclear energy in decarbonizing their energy systems, both countries aim to triple global nuclear capacity. Additionally, they pledge support for renewable and low-carbon hydrogen markets.
In space exploration, the UAE and France are committed to collaboration, particularly in lunar missions and utilizing space data for addressing climate change. To enhance their space ecosystems, they plan to expand the Space Sub-Committee of the UAE-France Strategic Dialogue.
In education, efforts are underway to expand the French school network in the UAE and strengthen collaboration in higher education. Both parties welcome the strategic plan for Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and anticipate the graduation of the inaugural student cohort from 42 Abu Dhabi.
Cooperation in cultural and creative industries remains robust, with initiatives like the French Cultural and Creative immersion program enhancing ties. Health cooperation aims at knowledge sharing, expertise exchange, and advancements in public health and scientific research.
The Strategic Dialogue also addressed regional and international issues, including regional security, humanitarian crises, and extremism. Both parties reiterated their commitment to peace, stability, and security, emphasizing the need for ceasefires, humanitarian access, and peaceful resolutions.
As the 16th session concluded, the UAE and France affirmed their dedication to deepening their longstanding strategic partnership, fostering mutual interests, and expanding cooperation. Notable attendees from the UAE included Saood Al Hosani, Saeed Al Hajeri, Hamad Al Kaabi, and Ibrahim Al Qasim.
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