(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM))
DUBAI, 9th November, 2017 (WAM) -- French President Emmanuel Macron said he was committed to strengthening the political and economic relations between his country and the UAE, as well as expanding their strategic partnership to include new sectors and fields.
The French President was speaking at the UAE-France Business Forum, which was organised today by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the Zayed University in Dubai, in co-operation with the French Embassy in the UAE; Business France, the national agency in charge of globalising the French economy; and the French Business Council in Dubai.
He pointed out that the project undertaken by the UAE was in sync with the historic project of France, which was to defend reason and light, as well as the differences with others. He emphasised that the launch of the Louvre Abu Dhabi and other businesses through the UAE-France Business Forum reflected a bright image of the UAE.
Macron asserted that culture and education formed part of the change needed to achieve a sustainable future, praising the commitment of the UAE and its leaders to improve opportunities, support innovation and build smart cities, which had given the UAE people an advanced stature internationally.
He clarified that both the UAE and France were making efforts to ensure tolerance and humanity, commending the growth achieved by the UAE and its favourable economic indicators, which reflected positively on its GDP and helped attract investments, as well as maintain the balance of trade.
He asserted that the UAE had proven success was possible even in a difficult environment because it had the will to achieve it.
Macron expressed pride for the geopolitical, cultural and civilisational partnerships between the two countries, following the agreements that were signed on the sidelines of the Forum, reflecting the diversity and power of their joint relationship.
He appreciated the co-operation in the field of emerging companies and development of joint investments in new sectors.
The French President said Expo 2020 Dubai is an opportunity to open new horizons, establish innovative projects, and enhance partnership in the field of smart cities, energy and innovative transport methods.
He praised the Forum and the discussions that took place, calling the event the first of its kind for the new generation. He affirmed that both countries have common goals and principles of tolerance and humanity, which calls for a real partnership to develop bilateral relations in different fields.
Receiving the French President and his delegation at the UAE-France Business Forum were Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau; Majid Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Hisham Al Shirawi, 2nd Vice Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Hamad Buamim, Director-General of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
In her speech in front of the French President, Al Hashimy said that the future of humanity lies in meeting, dialogue and partnerships. She also pointed out that it is not a coincidence that the activities of the UAE-France Business Forum are held in Zayed University, which carries the name of the founder of the UAE, who represents the values of co-operation, partnership and openness to the world. She also expressed her aspirations for a partnership between the two countries, which would become an incentive for sustainable development and strategic co-operation.
The Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that non-oil commercial exchange between Dubai and France in the year 2016 reached around US$5.7 billion a 46 percent growth from 2010. France currently occupies the 20th place on Dubai's list of commercial partners, and it is its 6th trading partner in the European Union countries, reflecting the strength of the economic bilateral relations.
He further added that they look forward to developing these economic ties and benefitting from the exceptional political relations between the countries.
WAM/Hassan Bashir
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