SolarFreedomNow.com – Paris recently played host to the 15th edition of the UAE-France Strategic Dialogue, with HE Anne-Marie Descotes, Secretary-General of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and HE Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority, taking on the roles of co-chairs. The top-level dialogue served as a platform to strengthen collaboration in key sectors and areas of mutual interest.
Leveraging their solid bilateral relations and recent presidential visits, the UAE-France Strategic Dialogue placed significant emphasis on the importance of deepening economic and investment partnerships. Attendees lauded the progress made in strategic bilateral investment partnerships established in December 2021, highlighting the growing cooperation between Etihad Rail and French firms. The successful launch of the UAE-France High-Level Business Council also received acclaim, underlining the value of economic collaboration.
The Comprehensive Strategic Energy Partnership (CSEP) between the UAE and France remained a focal point of the discussions, aiming to bolster cooperation in the energy sector. A noteworthy announcement was made regarding discussions on a partnership focused on financing the energy transition, with more details set to be revealed during COP28. Both sides expressed a strong commitment to intensifying efforts in order to meet the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement, emphasizing the significance of climate finance, adaptation, and addressing loss and damage.
French representatives congratulated the UAE on its progress in the nuclear energy sector, particularly highlighting the successful operations at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. The dialogue underscored the importance of institutional cooperation in research and development, capacity building, and collaboration within the nuclear industry. The “E-Fusion” initiative, fostering cooperation between French and Emirati supply chains, was acknowledged as a positive step in this direction.
During the dialogue, the participants reinforced their long-standing dedication to collaborative initiatives such as Louvre Abu Dhabi and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. Discussions revolved around exploring new avenues of collaboration in the museum sector, cultural and creative industries, and music, including potential partnerships with the Philharmonie de Paris. The plan to support the restoration of the Grand Trianon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located at the Château de Versailles, also featured prominently in the talks.
Celebrating cooperation in higher education, the UAE and France signed a joint declaration during the UAE President’s State Visit to France in July 2022. Both sides are actively exploring the possibility of an intergovernmental agreement to further enhance bilateral collaboration in the field of higher education. Additionally, the upcoming inauguration of Rubika, an international gaming and animation school, in Abu Dhabi was hailed as a positive development, alongside the expansion of French educational offerings in the UAE.
The partnership between the Institut Pasteur and the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center, focusing on public health, innovation, and scientific research, received accolades during the dialogue. Both parties expressed their intent to deepen collaboration in areas such as communicable disease programs, as well as educational and training initiatives. Cooperation in cardiology and medical residency programs was also highlighted.
The dialogue covered a broad spectrum of topics, including science and technology, artificial intelligence, food security, nuclear energy, intellectual property rights, anti-money laundering, cybersecurity, and fintech. These discussions showcased the mutual interest in fostering cooperation across diverse fields. Both sides reiterated their commitment to regional peace, stability, and prosperity, underscoring the importance of dialogue and building bridges. France extended its support to the UAE’s presidency of the UN Security Council and chairmanship of the Counter Terrorism Committee, highlighting the shared dedication to advancing priorities related to climate change, peace and security, and the women, peace, and security (WPS) agenda.
The Strategic Dialogue concluded with a resounding commitment to further deepen the UAE-France partnership in all realms of collaboration.
