Mohamed bin Zayed, French President discuss bilateral relations, regional developments in Paris

he further said. "Under the framework of its preparations for the next 50 years, Shams aims to achieve human capacity building for citizens and support the economy by providing new opportunities, which will increase its competitiveness," he stated. On the efforts of Shams to overcome the repercussions of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, he stressed Shams has overcome these repercussions by ensuring continuity of businesses in the free zone. Speaking about women’s empowerment within Shams, Al Midfa said that many female cadres are working in leading positions in the free zone, in addition to female entrepreneurs who own promising investment projects. The support of Shams for women is in line with the support they receive from H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed and H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, who is the wife of Sheikh Sultan, he added. On the positive outcomes of the partnership between Shams and Omnis Media in developing digital, media and marketing solutions, Al Midfa stressed that Shams has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Omnis Media to develop and operate the "Omnis Influencers" digital platform on both local and global levels. Shams aims to train a new generation of social media influencers through series of accredited academic and training courses to boost their marketing skills and enable them to benefit companies in the UAE and the rest of the region, he further added. Al Midfa also highlighted the participation of Shams in the annual International Government Communication Forum, organised by the Sharjah Government Media Office, under the patronage of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan, which represents a valuable experience, noting the exchange of expertise with government communication leaders from around the world. Shams participated as one of the event’s strategic sponsors in 2018, as well as as a strategic partner in 2019 and 2020, he explained, affirming that Shams organised a youth session at the event, titled "Media Experiences," in cooperation with Sharjah Youth Council, and highlighting the keenness Shams to participate in this year’s edition on 26th and 27th September. Three new buildings were completed at Shams for companies and SMEs, which will open this year, Al Midfa said in conclusion.

PARIS, 15th September, 2021 - His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, discussed, with Emmanuel Macron, President of France, the friendship and strategic partnership between the UAE and France, as well as promising opportunities for developing them, in addition to several issues of mutual concern. The discussion took place during a meeting between President Macron and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and his delegation at the Palace of Fontainebleau in the French capital, Paris. Macron welcomed the visit and highlighted his happiness at receiving His Highness Sheikh Mohamed, under the framework of their mutual coordination and consultation regarding bilateral ties and regional issues of mutual interest. Sheikh Mohamed conveyed the greetings and best wishes of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al

Nahyan to President Macron. Sheikh Mohamed highlighted his happiness at visiting France, stressing that his consultations and exchanges of views with Macron are ongoing, and that their direct meetings have reinforced their bilateral ties. During the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed and President Macron discussed the cooperation between the UAE and France in the areas of investment, the economy and culture, as well as other vital sectors, to drive sustainable development in both countries. The meeting addressed the COVID-19 pandemic and the international efforts to mitigate its humanitarian and economic fallout and return to normalcy, as well as several regional and global issues of mutual concern, most notably the current situation in Afghanistan. Macron expressed France's appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed for the UAE’s support in evacuating foreign citizens from Afghanistan. Both sides then affirmed the importance of achieving security, peace and stability in the region through diplomatic means and constructive dialogue. The members of the Emirati delegation that accompanied Sheikh Mohamed included H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC); Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Deputy Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security; Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority of Abu Dhabi and Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Under-Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court, and Hind Manea Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to France. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed, accompanied by President Macron, toured the palace and its various section and visited the "Imperial Theatre", which was renamed the "Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Theatre" as its maintenance cost was covered by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa.