His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace to discuss the longstanding and strategic partnership between the two nations. Their talks focused on expanding bilateral cooperation, with particular emphasis on economic, investment, and cultural sectors.
The leaders also explored opportunities for further collaboration in areas such as climate action, energy, advanced technology, and artificial intelligence (AI). Both countries are aligned in their vision for sustainable development and prosperity, and they reaffirmed their commitment to working together on global challenges.
During the meeting, President Macron warmly welcomed Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed to France, expressing his pleasure in hosting the UAE President. In return, Sheikh Mohamed thanked President Macron for the warm reception. The two leaders discussed regional and international developments, reaffirming their dedication to continued dialogue and cooperation. They emphasized the importance of joint efforts to maintain peace and stability, particularly in the Middle East, and to address pressing global issues.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted the robust relationship between the UAE and France, particularly in energy and climate action. He pointed out the successful collaboration through the UAE-France Comprehensive Strategic Energy Partnership, established in 2022, and the UAE-France Bilateral Climate Investment Platform launched last year.
The leaders also touched on their shared commitment to the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) for global development and the protection of world heritage.
A key highlight of the visit was the signing of the UAE-France Framework for Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence. The agreement was signed by His Excellency Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority, on behalf of the UAE, and His Excellency Jean-Noël Barrot, France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and His Excellency Éric Lombard, France’s Minister for the Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, on behalf of France.
This new framework agreement is set to focus on investment in a 1GW AI Campus in France and aims to establish a strategic AI partnership between the two countries. The leaders committed to developing projects and investments in the AI value chain, including AI infrastructure, data centers, and talent development. They also discussed the establishment of Virtual Data Embassies to support sovereign AI and cloud infrastructure in both countries.
Sheikh Mohamed and President Macron highlighted the broad scope and ambitious infrastructure developments outlined in the AI cooperation agreement, underscoring the strength and dynamism of UAE-France relations. The leaders agreed to closely monitor the progress of various AI-related initiatives in the near future.
In the evening, President Macron hosted a dinner in honor of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and his delegation.
Earlier, Sheikh Mohamed arrived in Paris for the working visit, accompanied by a high-level delegation that included H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, along with senior officials and ministers from both countries.
The visit, marked by key agreements and meaningful discussions, further strengthens the strategic ties between the UAE and France. (Inputs from WAM)
