(Abu Dhabi) – President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan held talks with French President Francois Hollande at Al Dhiyafa Palace. H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President’s Representative, and H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces also attended the talks.
Welcoming the visit of Hollande and the delegation accompanying him, Sheikh halifa praised the growing cooperation and ties between the UAE and France in all fields. Shaikh Khalifa noted that the visit will strengthen cooperation between the two countries. He referred to the role of France to curb crises and conflicts both at the regional and international levels.
The French President hailed the huge achievements made by the UAE under Sheikh Khalifa’s leadership. “ France is planning to expand cooperation with the UAE, especially in the areas of economy, trade, technology and culture,” he emphasised. President Hollande referred to the UAE’s efforts regarding international cooperation in the area of renewable energy. The French President welcomed setting up of joint projects between the UAE and French businessmen and the opening of new avenues for trade cooperation.
Sheikh Khalifa conferred on Hollande the Zayed Order, while Hollande conferred on Sheikh Khalifa membership of the French Legion of Honour, the highest decoration bestowed by the nation. He also conferred on the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince France’s National Order of Merit, in recognition of the growing ties.
