Ludovic Pouille

On the occasion of the French national day, on July 14, I would like to congratulate Arab News for the launch of its brand new French edition. It is a great demonstration of the growing vitality and attractiveness of the Francophonie in the United Arab Emirates and throughout the Arabian Peninsula.

Everyone knows that this July 14 is different from the previous ones. France, Europe and the world have gone through, and continue to go through, an unprecedented health crisis. A crisis that reveals the weaknesses of our societies while also showing new expressions of solidarity. A crisis that invites nations to strengthen their cooperation and to prepare for tomorrow.

As we move into a new decade full of challenges and doubts, France and the UAE share a common vision of the future of their partnership: a strategic partnership in the service of peace and security in the region, which we celebrated in 2019 on the 10^th anniversary of our defense agreements; a partnership for culture and the dialogue of civilizations, of which the Louvre Abu Dhabi is the most beautiful symbol; a partnership giving priority to our youth, innovation, health and sustainable development.

In order to prepare the young generation for a world transformed by new technologies, our two countries are designing highly innovative training and research structures. As proof, the recent launch of a new chair dedicated to artificial intelligence at the Sorbonne Abu Dabi, or the creation, in the UAE’s capital, of Ecole 42, a world-renowned French coding school.

In order to revive the economy while seizing the opportunities of the ecological and technological transition, France and the UAE can rely on the vibrant ties between their business communities. The partnership between BPI France and Mubadala, the dynamic cooperation between our companies in the sectors of industry, renewable energies and transport, as well as the creativity of our High Tech young shoots, are all assets for the growth of our economies. It is our responsibility to be by their side in this difficult phase.

In order to strengthen the resilience of our health systems in the post-Covid-19 period, France and the UAE are more than ever determined to develop their cooperation in the field of health, whether in the medical, research or pharmaceutical sectors.

In order to protect the planet and provide assistance to the most vulnerable populations around the world, especially in Africa, France and the UAE have built an ambitious partnership in favor of the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals. In this new decade, all our common projects will require to take into account the urgent need for climate action, the fate of future generations and the issue of food security.

Against the temptation of inward-looking attitudes and unilateral policies, France and the UAE are promoting a brilliant model of cooperation. Together, we must advance the cause of multilateralism and the belief that common challenges of mankind require a coordinated response and the efforts of the entire international community.

• Ludovic Pouille is the Ambassador of France to the United Arab Emirates