French President Emmanuel Macron and the new head of state of the United Arab Emirates, Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, affirmed on Sunday their desire to strengthen the already very advanced strategic partnership between their two countries, on the occasion of an interview in Abu Dhabi.
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Emmanuel Macron was the first Western leader to travel to Abu Dhabi to pay tribute to Sheikh Khalifa Zayed bin al-Nahyan, the Emirati president who died on Friday, and offer his "
sincere condolences to all his family and to the people
" of the Emirates, according to the report.
'Elysium.
Arrived early in the morning, the French head of state, for whom it was the first trip of his second five-year term which began on Saturday, went to a palace where he was welcomed by Mohammed ben al-Nahyane, known as "
MBZ
" .
, new president and strong man of the country.
Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, known as "
MBZ
", new president of the United Arab Emirates.
CHRISTIAN HARTMANN / REUTERS
Emmanuel Macron congratulated him "
on his election
" the day before in place of his half-brother and "
expressed his determination to continue and develop everything they have undertaken together for five years
".
"
The United Arab Emirates are a strategic partner of France, and the extent of our cooperation, in areas as varied as defence, culture and education, testifies to this
," said the presidency, reporting on the meeting. 'exchange.
The two men then joined the “
majlis
”, the assembly which brings together in a huge hall of the palace the very many members of the family of the deceased since his death at the age of 73.
People gather to mourn the death of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed al-Nahyane Al Al-Nahyane at Al Mushrif Palace in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, May 15, 2022. CHRISTIAN HARTMANN / REUTERS
Although he met MBZ many times during his first term, Emmanuel Macron never spoke with Sheikh Khalifa, who had been reduced since a stroke in 2014.
Emmanuel Macron had traveled to the Emirates in December 2021, where he visited the Dubai World Expo and oversaw the signing of several contracts, including one for the supply of 80 Rafale fighter jets, a record order for the fighter aircraft entered service in 2004.
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The two presidents also expressed “
their concerns
” about the war in Ukraine and its consequences, “
in particular on energy and global food security
”, according to the entourage of the French president.
Emmanuel Macron also had an interview with his Mauritanian counterpart, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, one of the many leaders present in Abu Dhabi to offer their condolences.
The British Prime Minister, the Emir of Qatar or the King of Spain were notably expected on Sunday.
French President Emmanuel Macron meets Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould El-Ghazouani in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, May 15, 2022. CHRISTIAN HARTMANN / REUTERS
Emmanuel Macron was to return to Paris on Sunday evening, while the appointment of a new prime minister, followed by that of the government, is expected at the start of the week.
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