Paris - WAM
French President Francois Hollande, on Thursday received at the Elysee Palace the UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The meeting was attended by H. H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and H. H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister. During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed and Hollande discussed issues of mutual interest, notably strengthening of the historic friendship ties between the UAE and France laid down by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. They also discussed ways of enhancing the strategic partnership between the two countries, especially in the areas of economy, military, culture and humanitarian affairs. The talks, which also covered regional issues, focussed on the consolidation of stability, peace, freedom and justice in the region. Hollande praised the UAE policy, which is based on the dialogue and openness to peoples and countries, citing the humanitarian attitudes of the UAE leadership. For his part, the UAE Vice President expressed his satisfaction about visiting France and consulting with the French President, stressing the depth of friendship and cooperation ties between the leaders and peoples of the two countries. He referred to the French supportive attitudes to the issues of justice, freedom and peace, especially just Arab issues.