‘Trustworthy’ France signs $17bn defence deal with UAE
EMMANUEL MACRON yesterday signed a historic €17billion (£14.5billion) defence deal with the United Arab Emirates, in what experts said was part of an effort for France to oust Britain as the European powerhouse in the Gulf.
The deal was announced at the start of a two-day trip to the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia as Mr Macron held talks with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
It includes the purchase of 80 Rafale warplanes, 12 Airbus helicopters and missiles – the largest-ever overseas weapons sale.
In triumphant tones, the French president said the deal was the fruit of Gallic diplomatic prowess.
“French engagement in the region, active co-operation in the fight against terrorism and the clear positions we have taken have allowed us to grow closer with the United Arab Emirates,” he told journalists in Dubai.
Radio station Europe 1 described the contract as a way for Mr Macron to “wash his honour” just five months before elections in which his ability to fight for France on the international stage will arise as a campaign issue.
The issue is particularly sensitive following the country’s humiliating loss of an Australian mega-submarine contract to the UK in September.
Paris slammed the move as a “stab in the back” and Mr Macron made a clear reference to it in his Dubai speech.
“At a time when questions are being asked about other long-term partners, I think this reinforces the position of France,” he said, describing his country as a “solid” and “trustworthy” ally that “sticks to its commitments”.
With France taking up the rotating presidency of the EU in January, analysts said Mr Macron is seeking to raise his international profile as the go-to European leader since Brexit.
But human rights groups warned that the weapons the UAE provides to its Gulf allies could be used “for unlawful attacks in Yemen as well as Libya”.