“France is seeking to diversify its sources of supply in the context of the conflict in Ukraine”
Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan landed in Paris on Sunday for a visit during which he is expected to sign several agreements, particularly in the energy sector amid rising oil prices.
For his first state visit as president of the United Arab Emirates, a rich oil country in the Gulf, Mohamed ben Zayed will be received on Monday by his counterpart Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace.
This visit should be marked by “the announcement of Emirati guarantees concerning the quantities of hydrocarbons (diesel only) supplied to France”, indicated a presidential adviser at the Elysée.
Dominated by hydrocarbons, Emirati exports to France reached an all-time high of 1.5 billion euros in 2019, a large part of which was refined petroleum products, but the Emirates do not currently supply diesel to the country.
“France is seeking to diversify its sources of supply in the context of the conflict in Ukraine,” added the adviser.
Signatures of contracts in the fields of transport and waste treatment are also planned during this three-day visit.
Franco-Emirati relations have developed considerably in recent years. In December, Abu Dhabi notably signed a record contract worth 14 billion euros for 80 Rafale fighter jets.
The de facto ruler of the Emirates for years, Mohammed bin Zayed took office in May after the death of his half-brother.
Washington, and Paris, are keen for the Emirates and Saudi Arabia to help bring down the rise in gasoline prices since the Russian invasion of Ukraine by distributing more oil.
US President Joe Bien performed this week his first official tour in the Middle Eastbut did not lead to any significant progress on the subject in Saudi Arabia.
On Saturday, he invited his Emirati counterpart to visit the United States, a friendly gesture after months of strained relations.