French president to visit UAE Tuesday

French President Francois Hollande will head for the UAE on Tuesday on an official visit, that is aimed at boosting relations at all levels. The visit will be Hollande's first visit to the UAE since he was elected last May and he is bringing a large government and business delegation to try to cement ties, which are already considered to be at a very high level. Political issues will focus on Syria, Iran and the Gulf region, as well as the Middle East peace process and counter-terrorism. The president is also certain to inform the Emirati leadership of his objectives in Mali, where French and other European forces were deployed Friday in the face of an insurgency led by Islamist rebels. Meeting with all senior figures in the UAE, the French delegation will also be seeking to improve trade and investment ties. On defense issues, both sides will be discussing relations in the framework of a French agreement to bolster the UAE in case of attack, as attested by the establishment of a French military post in the Emirates. The environment, a key focus for Hollande, will also be discussed during the visit and Hollande will deliver a keynote speech at the official inauguration of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, which takes place January 15.