Khalifa, Hollande hold talks

The UAE and France have stressed the need to promote international understanding and cooperation to further consolidate security and stability in the Gulf region, the Middle East and the world within the framework of international resolutions, respect for the sovereignty of states and promotion of international peace.

The pledge was made during the talks held by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan with French President Francois Hollande at Al Dhiyafa Palace here this afternoon.

Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President's Representative, and General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, attended the talks.

The UAE President welcomed the visit of Hollande and the delegation accompanying him, praising the growing cooperation and ties of friendship between the UAE and France in all fields.

Sheikh Khalifa noted that the visit will strengthen cooperation between the two countries. He referred to the role of France to curb crises and conflicts both at the regional and international levels.

The talks discussed bilateral relations and joint cooperation, and how to improve them in the best interest of the two peoples. They also exchanged views on the latest developments at the regional and international levels, as well as on a number of other issues.

The two sides expressed satisfaction at the growth of the bilateral relations that aim to strengthen the economic partnership and bilateral investment in the UAE and France.

For his part, the French President hailed the huge achievements made by the UAE under Sheikh Khalifa's leadership. He emphasised that France is planning to expand cooperation with the UAE, especially in the areas of economy, trade, technology and culture.

President Hollande referred to the UAE's efforts regarding international cooperation in the area of renewable energy, saying that the convening of World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi reflects the UAE's tireless efforts to harness international potential and capacity to ensure the provision of clean energy to people and countries worldwide, especially the developing countries, which need energy to promote the sustainable development process.

The French President welcomed setting up of joint projects between the UAE and French businessmen and the opening of new avenues for economic and trade cooperation.

Sheikh Khalifa conferred on Hollande the Zayed Order, while Hollande conferred on Sheikh Khalifa membership of the French Legion of Honour, the highest decoration bestowed by the nation. He also conferred on the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince France's National Order of Merit, in recognition of the growing cooperation ties between the two countries.

The UAE President hosted a lunch banquet in honour of the French President and his entourage.

Khalifa orders plane to airlift two victims of fire incident in Saudi Arabia

President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has ordered the dispatch of an aircraft to bring back home the bodies of two Emirati citizens who died of burns in a tent fire in Saudi Arabia.

A Ministry of Interior statement said that R.M.Y and his three sons were camping in the Hasa region of Saudi Arabia when their stove, affected by the wind, set fire to their tent while they were sleeping.

One of the sons tried to rescue his father, but in vain. Another son also died of severe burns.

The statement thanked the Saudi Arabian authorities for their actions and expressed regret for the tragic incident, offering the Ministry's heartfelt condolences to the family of the two deceased.

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