France’s minister of economy and finance, Bruno Le Maire, was welcomed in Abu Dhabi on Saturday by government officials led by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
Other officials present at the meeting at Al Shati Palace included Khaldoon Al Mubarak, chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority and chief executive of Mubadala Investment Company; Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, under-secretary of the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi, and officials accompanying the French minister.
The delegation discussed opportunities to boost economic cooperation between the UAE and France in various trade, financial and investment fields to support vital sectors in the two countries’ economies, reported Wam.
The French minister later met Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and chief executive of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, at Adnoc’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi.
The visit “reflects the strong relations between the UAE and France through the strategic partnership between Adnoc and Total,” Adnoc said in a tweet on Saturday afternoon.
French energy major Total has operated in the UAE for almost 80 years and holds stakes in various energy concessions as well as a 100 per cent stake in the Abu Al Bukoosh oilfield. Total is also a partner in the Shams solar power project near Madinat Zayed.
In November, Adnoc and Total signed a concession agreement to launch an unconventional gas exploration programme in the Diyab region or Abu Dhabi.
Mr Le Maire is visiting the UAE to participate in the World Government Summit, being held in Dubai this week.
