French Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, Laurent Fabius, has described his country's relations with U.A.E. as exemplary and affirmed that the two countries had forged a very strong partnership to implement projects prioritised by the French government.
"France's relations with U.A.E. are exemplary at all levels. France is in continuous contact with the highest ranking U.A.E. officials," Fabius told WAM in an interview in Caen City, north-western France, on the sidelines of a ceremony in which he granted Wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the U.A.E. and Ruler of Dubai, HRH Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, and president of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), the Officer of the National Order of the Legion of Honour, France's highest distinction, on behalf of the French president.
"France developed a very strong, solid and unique partnership with U.A.E. in order to build the Louver Abu Dhabi, a project which is a top priority for the French government. The two countries are cooperating on building the first such international museum since 1875 when the Metropolitan Museum of Art was completed in New York City, U.S.
Mr. Fabius noted that France was among the first countries to back U.A.E.'s bid to host World Expo 2020 in Dubai and that it continues its support to U.A.E.'s efforts and preparations for this global mega event.
"This (honour) is a message of respect, appreciation and admiration. Through granting her its highest honour, France wanted to stress that HRR Princess Haya is an outstanding personality in today's world, due to her career as the head of FEI as well as her humanitarian work in Dubai.
This is (France's) message of friendship to U.A.E. and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, as well as an expression of thanks for U.A.E.'s love to horses and for its role in developing the sport around the globe as it became an authority in this sport thanks to its relevant wide experience," said the French Foreign Minister.
Mr. Fabius also noted that the French president and the French Republic have granted HRH Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, "a great friend of France and a great princess and equestrienne", with the National Order of the Legion of Honour in recognition of her contribution to equestrian sports as FEI President.
HRH Princess Haya's honouring ceremony was attended by H.H Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Advisor to the U.A.E. President and President of the U.A.E. Equestrian Federation, Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi, Charge d'Affaires of U.A.E. in France and a group of prominent French and international officials, as well as members of the FEI