Sheikh Mohamed concludes France visit with joint statement on Ukraine, energy and climate

The UAE President and French President Emmanuel Macron seek action on global challenges

The President, Sheikh Mohamed, leaves France after his official state visit. Photo: Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed stands for the national anthem. Catherine Colonna, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, is also pictured. Photo: Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed stands for the national anthems. Photo: Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed bids farewell to Ms Colonna. Photo: Presidential Court

Members of the French honour guard play the national anthem before Sheikh Mohamed's departure. Photo: Presidential Court

President Sheikh Mohamed speaks to Emirati students and doctors studying in France. Seen with Shamma bint Suhail Al Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of State for Youth, second right, and Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, vice chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, fourth right. Photo: Presidential Court

President Sheikh Mohamed with Emirati students and doctors, along with Shamma bint Suhail Al Al Mazrouei, Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, fourth from left. Photo: Presidential Court

President Sheikh Mohamed meets students and doctors. Photo: Presidential Court

President Sheikh Mohamed greets Emirati students and doctors who are studying in France. Photo: Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed, with Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed, speaks to Catherine Colonna. Photo: Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed arrives at Matignon Hotel in Paris to meet Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Sheikh Mohamed arrives at the Matignon to meet Ms Borne. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed leaves Matignon hotel. Chris Whiteoak / The National

President Sheikh Mohamed signs a guest book during a military ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Photo: Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed stands at attention as the national anthems of the UAE and France are played at the Arc de Triomphe. Photo: Presidential Court

The UAE President greets a members of the Unknown Soldier’s Torch Committee. Photo: Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Photo: Presidential Court

The UAE President meets Yael Braun-Pivet, sixth from right, President of the French National Assembly, in Paris. The senior UAE officials include Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation; Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; and Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed, managing director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Abu Dhabi Executive Council Member. Photo: Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed with Ms Braun-Pivet at the National Assembly Presidency Palace. Photo: Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed is received by Ms Braun-Pivet during his state visit to France. Photo: Presidential Court

The UAE President gives a speech during a dinner hosted in his honour by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Versailles Grand Trianon in Paris. Photo: Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed is in France on his first overseas trip as UAE President. Photo: Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed discussed the important role that France has undertaken in the Middle East and expressed his interest in continuing to work together to promote peace, stability and security across the region. Photo: Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed, Mr Macron and France's first lady Brigitte Macron at the Versailles Grand Trianon. Photo: Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed with French Senate President Gerard Larcher in Paris. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The UAE President met Mr Larcher at Luxembourg Palace. Photo: Presidential Court

Members of the UAE delegation attend the meeting at Luxembourg Palace. Photo: Presidential Court

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed, managing director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Abu Dhabi Executive Council Member; and Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, vice chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, during the meeting at Luxembourg Palace. Photo: Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed's decision to visit France on his first trip overseas as UAE head of state is considered highly significant and a recognition of the strength of ties between the two countries. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Sheikh Mohamed and a delegation of ministers and senior officials began the day with a visit to the historic Les Invalides complex, home to the military museum. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The UAE President then travelled a short distance to Luxembourg Palace. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Mr Larcher said he was pleased to have the opportunity to discuss the Cop28 climate change conference, which will be hosted at Expo City Dubai in November 2023, and 'a lot about the energy issue, which is very important'. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Sheikh Mohamed arrives at Luxembourg Palace in Paris. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Macron watch as Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and managing director and group chief executive of Adnoc, and France's Energy Transition Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher sign a comprehensive strategic energy partnership between the two countries. Photo: Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed, Mr Macron, Dr Al Jaber, Ms Pannier-Runacher and France's Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire after the signing ceremony in Paris. Photo: Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed holds talks with Mr Macron at Elysee Palace in Paris. Photo: Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed is welcomed to Elysee Palace by Mr Macron. Photo: Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed with Mr Macron and France's first lady Brigitte Macron after the UAE President's arrival at Elysee Palace in the French capital. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The UAE leader warmly embraced Mr Macron on his arrival in Paris, describing him as a friend and his country as one of the Emirates' closest allies. Chris Whiteoak / The National

During a private lunch, the two leaders reviewed new agreements that expand decades of partnership and collaboration between the UAE and France. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Sheikh Mohamed spoke about the common interest that the UAE and France share in confronting climate change. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A French guard of honour awaits the arrival of Sheikh Mohamed to Elysee Palace. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The UAE President attends an official reception hosted by Sebastien Lecornu, France's Minister of Armed Forces, at the military museum in Paris. Photo: Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed is accompanied by Mr Le Cornu as he inspects a guard of honour and meets officials at the military museum. Photo: Presidential Court

The UAE President visited the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte within the Dome des Invalides at the military museum. Photo: Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed was set to meet top French officials during his two-day visit, including Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne and President of the National Assembly Yael Braun-Pivet. Photo: Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed with Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, vice chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and Mr Le Cornu at the military museum. Photo: Presidential Court

Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Le Cornu stand at attention as the two countries' anthems are played. Photo: Presidential Court

The UAE President's motorcade arrives at the military museum. Photo: Presidential Court

Emirati flags adorned the streets around Elysee and Luxembourg palaces. Photo: Presidential Court

President Sheikh Mohamed concluded his state visit to Paris on Tuesday, thanking Emmanuel Macron as they issued a joint statement calling for action on pressing global issues.

The head of state departed Orly airport on Tuesday afternoon after an engagement at the Arc de Triomphe and meetings with French leaders.

A series of talks and the signing of deals brought to an end a successful inaugural state visit that made headlines at home and abroad.

In energy, Adnoc and Total Energies signed an agreement to explore opportunities in gas growth, carbon capture and storage, among other areas.

In space and climate change, there were agreements to work together on breakthroughs in both areas, particularly ahead of Cop27 in Egypt in November and Cop28 in the UAE in late-2023.

On the final day of his state visit, Sheikh Mohamed toured several Paris landmarks, laying a wreath at the Arc de Triomphe's tomb for an Unknown Soldier.

At Matignon, the prime minister's residence, Sheikh Mohamed met Elisabeth Borne to discuss food security, investment and the economy, among other topics.

In their closing joint statement, Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Macron called for action to tackle crises that affect global stability.

The following text is from the UAE's state news agency Wam:

The crisis in Ukraine

Both leaders expressed deep concern regarding war in Ukraine, its terrible impact on civilians, the humanitarian situation, and its effects on commodity markets worldwide.

They underscored the urgent need to intensify diplomatic efforts to reach a solution to the conflict, and Sheikh Mohamed commended President Macron’s continuing efforts in that regard.

Energy and Food Security

Both leaders discussed a range of regional and global opportunities and challenges, and agreed to work together to find ways to mitigate the impact of these challenges on each other and globally.

They agreed to establish a France-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Energy Partnership, representing a major step in fostering energy security and affordability. They also welcomed the agreement between TotalEnergies and Adnoc on fuel provision, with the aim of increasing the security of fuel supply in France.

Of equal importance, the UAE also emphasised its support for global action on food security, and to work with France to find ways to mitigate ongoing pressure on global supply chains.

The UAE announced its support for the Food and Agriculture Resilience Mission (Farm) initiative, specifically on open, transparent, and resilient food trade, as well as the provision of timely and accurate information to support the Agriculture Market Information System (AMIS).

Economy, Investment, and Industry

Building on the significant investment partnership agreed in December 2021, the two leaders share an ambition to further expand the vibrant economic partnership between the two countries. They expressed interest in identifying and facilitating areas of co-operation, where interests and capabilities converge.

The two sides praised the recently launched UAE-France Business Council, with a view to further increase bilateral business opportunities for the benefit of both nations.

The two sides noted that the Council will serve as a tangible outlet to expand the already constructive co-operation that exists between the two countries’ business communities, and underlined their shared desire to convene the inaugural meeting of this grouping in the near future.

Climate Action

Both leaders noted that climate action represents an area of critical mutual concern, and emphasised common and ambitious goals in this important field. President Macron congratulated the UAE for the future hosting of Cop28 in 2023, and offered France’s full support, including through its expertise derived from Cop21. Both sides signed an agreement on Climate Action, which will enable France and the UAE to enhance their co-operation.

The French side congratulated UAE on the successful operation of its nuclear energy programme. Both sides confirmed the important role of nuclear energy in their countries’ efforts to decarbonise their energy sectors and their resolve to continue the strong co-operation in this field, including by sharing technical expertise, the provision of technology and nuclear fuel, as well as in the area of R&D.

The two sides also commended progress made in regard to the MoU on Decarbonised Hydrogen.

Additionally, concerning collaboration on marine research and development efforts, both parties agreed to work closely on the development of a marine research collaborative programme to promote the sustainable blue economy.

Health sector

Both leaders agreed on the importance of the health sector as a major domain for expansion in bilateral co-operation, reflecting a mutual priority area of French and Emirati development and expertise.

One example of successful collaboration is the Cardiovascular Diseases Prevention project between the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) (Iinternational).

Based on the signing of the MoU in December 2020, the project was implemented by a team of French experts, who helped achieve growth, sustainable development and global competitiveness, as well as exchange of information and know-how.

Both sides welcomed the signing of a MoU on Co-operation between the Institute Pasteur and the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, noting that such co-operation could produce mutually beneficial outcomes. Both sides also cited the potential of higher education co-operation that focused on developing healthcare expertise.

Education, Culture, and Space

Both leaders recognised the importance of education, culture and science as embedded in the fabric of the bilateral relationship, underscoring the contributions of existing key projects, such as the Sorbonne Abu Dhabi, and the efforts to expand co-operation in higher education, such as with Ecole 42, EM Normandie Business School, and ESCP Business School.

Both sides looked forward to forthcoming projects, such as gaming school Rubika, and encouraged further endeavours involving French higher education institutions in the UAE, as well as the expansion of French language teaching in UAE schools.

The leaders discussed the exploration of new chapters in cultural co-operation, following the successful partnership of the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Recognising that the space sector is a key driver for the advancement of science and technology, the UAE and France signed multiple agreements related to earth observation, climate change initiatives, and lunar exploration to strengthen and deepen collaboration in this critical sector.

Peace and Stability

The two leaders recognised that their strategic partnership is a critical component in their collaborative and mutual efforts to act as a beacon for peace and stability in the region, and beyond.

As the founding members of the International Security Alliance since 2017, the UAE and France reaffirmed their commitment to combating radicalisation, extremism, and transnational crime by exchanging experiences and continuing joint operations with fellow member states.

The two leaders discussed prospects for promoting peace, dialogue and diplomacy across the region, and expressed hope that nuclear negotiations with Iran could lead to an agreement that would increase regional security.

Sheikh Mohamed commended the successful Baghdad Conference on Partnership and Cooperation, and President Macron underscored the benefits of the Abraham Accords, which contribute to peace and prosperity in the region through building bridges and cooperation. Both leaders stressed the importance of further fostering peace and prosperity.

Looking beyond the region, the two leaders emphasised the importance of multilateralism as a way to increase mutual understanding and trust on a global scale at a time when collective cooperation is most needed. President Macron commended the UAE’s role as non-permanent member of the United Nation’s Security Council, and Sheikh Mohamed commended the achievements in multilateralism under the French Presidency of the European Union.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further expand and develop the historic co-operation between the two countries, to opening new domains across all areas, and to be an ever-more active force for peace and stability in the region and beyond.