UAE and France reaffirm strategic partnership across key sectors

The Dialogue was co-chaired by Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the UAE’s Executive Affairs Authority, and Martin Briens, Secretary-General of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, with participation from senior officials from both countries.

Commitment to strengthening bilateral partnership

During the Dialogue, both sides reaffirmed the strength of their longstanding strategic partnership and their commitment to expanding cooperation across a broad range of sectors, with a shared ambition to deepen bilateral collaboration.

Condemnation of attacks and support for maritime security

The two sides strongly condemned the Iranian attacks targeting the UAE, GCC states, Jordan, and other regional countries, describing them as violations of sovereignty and international law.

Recalling UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), both countries also rejected attempts to obstruct navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and threaten maritime security in the Bab al-Mandab, stressing the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and protecting global energy and trade routes.

Discussions on regional and international developments

The Dialogue included discussions on major regional and global issues, with both countries reaffirming support for a two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians, backing Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability, calling for an immediate humanitarian truce in Sudan, and supporting a just and lasting resolution to the war in Ukraine.

The two sides also welcomed recent UAE-facilitated prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia.

Expanding economic and strategic cooperation

Both sides welcomed progress in cooperation across trade, investment, financial services, aviation, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, energy, and food security.

The discussions highlighted collaboration between UAE and French entities in AI, renewable and nuclear energy, LNG, and major infrastructure projects, including Al Maktoum International Airport.

Cultural cooperation and Louvre Abu Dhabi partnership

The UAE and France highlighted the continued success of Louvre Abu Dhabi as a key symbol of bilateral cooperation, while advancing preparations for the museum’s 10th anniversary in 2027.

Both sides also discussed expanding collaboration in publishing, cinema, gaming, crafts, and talent development within the cultural and creative industries.

Cooperation in nuclear energy and space technologies

The Dialogue reaffirmed continued cooperation in nuclear energy, focusing on regulation, operations, waste management, localisation, and research and development.

Both countries also stressed their commitment to expanding cooperation in space exploration, satellite technologies, optical communications, and commercial space activities.

Advancing health and educational partnerships

The two sides reaffirmed cooperation in healthcare under the One Health approach, including medical research, innovation, residency programmes, and hospital partnerships.

In education, both countries highlighted progress in French language education in UAE public schools, growth in French schools across the UAE, and the continued success of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and other French higher education programmes in the country.

Reaffirmation of long-term strategic partnership

At the conclusion of the 18th UAE–France Strategic Dialogue, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening their strategic partnership and advancing shared interests through continued close cooperation across key sectors.