Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, visited Paris, France, this week, on the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron.
The two spoke about furthering ties between both countries in the fields of economic investment, healthcare and culture.
Sheikh Mohamed had a packed agenda during the two-day official visit. Here are five highlights from his trip:
1. Inspiring Emirati students studying in France
During a visit to the Louvre, Sheikh Mohamed met with Emirati students studying at French universities.
I was delighted to meet with our students at French universities. I told them that education is the way to the future, and encouraged them to continue their path with greater motivation towards realising our nation's goals and aspirations. pic.twitter.com/1Fafc3iomi
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) November 21, 2018
While meeting the students, he delivered a heartwarming message to the father of an Emirati named Mohammed studying in France during his official visit to the country.
In a video posted on social media, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi spoke to the father of a student, telling him the UAE is proud of his son.
Leaning into the camera, with a smile, Sheikh Mohamed says, “Abu Mohammed, greetings, we are proud of your son. May Allah bless him, safeguard him and make him our joy.”
> Watch: Sheikh Mohamed sends heartwarming message to father of a UAE student in Paris
2. Visiting Louvre Paris
Sheikh Mohamed was given a special tour of the Louvre Museum in Paris on Wednesday. He was received by Jean-Luc Martinez, President of the museum, and a number of officials, who showed him the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Centre, in the Pavilion de l’Horloge of the museum - where a photographic exhibition celebrating 100 years since the birth of Sheikh Zayed is on display.
"This Centre embodies the values advocated by Sheikh Zayed, including values of tolerance, co-operation and peaceful coexistence among peoples, irrespective of culture, religion, race, and geographical locations,” Sheikh Mohamed said.
“The visitors get to know about his rich legacy and his inspiring endeavours to champion values of humanity, peace, stability and development for all peoples of the world.”
During his tour, he stopped at a portrait of the UAE's Founding Father and observed a minute of silence.
> Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed visits Louvre Paris
3. Having lunch with French President Emmanuel Macron
The lunch between the Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Macron was dedicated to discussing issues of bilateral co-operation as well as signing further agreements in the fields of health and mutual investments.
Sheikh Mohamed said the two country's support values of tolerance, promote dialogue, interaction and coexistence among peoples, civilisations and cultures, reject intolerance and hatred, and work for peace, stability and development in the Middle East and the world.
> Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed meets French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris
4. Having dinner with French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe
The dinner, held at Mr Philippe's residence, was also attended by chief executives from a host of leading French companies - including the presidents of Total and Thalès and Airbus.
Earlier in the day, French Foreign Minister Jean Yves Le Drian hosted his counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed at a lunch at the Quai d’Orsay ahead of a signing ceremony for two new agreements.
One agreement for enhanced cooperation in medicine, and a second agreement between the Banque Publique d’Investissement (BPI), the French state investment bank, and Mubadala for a €300 million project, with scope for an additional €700 million to invest in start-up firms promoting innovation in the health sector.
In the Ministry for Europe and Foreign affairs, lunch between the ministers of foreign affairs @JY_LeDrian & HH Sheikh @ABZayed & signature of cooperation agreements.#FranceUAE : a close concertation on regional crisis & ambitious projects in all fields of cooperation!
— Ludovic Pouille (@ludovic_pouille) November 21, 2018
🇦🇪💪🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/6re2C5HrhF
5. Mr Macron pays tribute to Sheikh Zayed
The French president welcomed Sheikh Mohamed ahead of a lunch meeting on Wednesday while wearing a Year of Zayed badge.
A picture posted on Sheikh Mohamed's Twitter page shows him and Mr Macron embracing, with the French leader proudly showing off his pin in honour of the UAE Founding Father.
He is among many other world leaders who have worn the badge, indicating their support for Sheikh Zayed.
