The 15th session of the UAE-France Strategic Dialogue took place in Paris, co-chaired by 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. The dialogue reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to enhancing cooperation in priority fields and sectors.
Building on the excellent bilateral relations and the recent visit between the two Presidents, the UAE-France Strategic Dialogue emphasized the importance of deepening economic and investment partnerships. The ongoing implementation of strategic bilateral investment partnerships, signed in December 2021, was reviewed with praise for the growing cooperation between Etihad Rail and French firms. The successful inaugural meeting of the UAE-France High-Level Business Council was also commended, highlighting the significance of economic collaboration.
The Comprehensive Strategic Energy Partnership (CSEP) between the UAE and France was reiterated, aiming to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector. Discussions on a partnership regarding financing the energy transition were announced, with plans to unveil further details at COP28. Both sides emphasized the need to intensify efforts to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement and underscored the importance of climate finance, adaptation, and addressing loss and damage.
The UAE’s progress in its nuclear energy program, including the commercial operations at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, was congratulated by the French side. Institutional cooperation in research and development, capacity building, and nuclear industrial cooperation were highlighted, along with collaboration between French and Emirati supply chains through the “E-Fusion” initiative.
The enduring commitment to joint projects such as Louvre Abu Dhabi and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi was reaffirmed. Discussions on new programs of cooperation in the museum sector, cultural and creative industries, and music, in collaboration with the Philharmonie de Paris, were held. The cultural cooperation plan supporting the restoration of the Grand Trianon of the Château de Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was also discussed.
Higher education cooperation between the UAE and France was celebrated, with the signing of a joint declaration on higher education during the UAE President’s State Visit to France in July 2022. Both parties are exploring an intergovernmental agreement to enhance bilateral cooperation in this field. The upcoming opening of Rubika, an international gaming and animation school, in Abu Dhabi was welcomed, along with the expansion of French education in the UAE.
The partnership between the Institut Pasteur and the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center in public health, innovation, and scientific research was praised, with plans for further collaboration in communicable diseases programs and educational and training initiatives. Cooperation in cardiology and medical residency programs were also highlighted.
Discussions on science and technology, artificial intelligence, food security, nuclear energy, intellectual property rights, anti-money laundering, cybersecurity, and fintech showcased the mutual interest of both sides to foster cooperation. They expressed their dedication to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region, emphasizing dialogue and building bridges. The UN Security Council’s presidency and the Counter Terrorism Committee’s chairmanship by the UAE received support from France, highlighting their commitment to advancing the mutual priorities of the climate change agenda, peace and security, and the women, peace, and security (WPS) agenda.
The Strategic Dialogue concluded with a strong emphasis on the shared commitment to further deepen the UAE-France partnership across all fields.
