|  | Sarkozy: France proud to team up with UAE on Louvre Abu DhabiMay 26, 2009 - 09:08 - Abu Dhabi, 26 May 2009 (WAM) - President Nicholas Sarkozy of France has praised the UAE's forward looking model, saying that his country was proud to be part of the ambitious project to set up Louvre Abu Dhabi.
This came during a speech delivered today at the Emirates Palace Hotel, following a ceremony held to celebrate beginning of construction works for the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
The ceremony was attended by H.H. Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor, Lt. General H.H. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court and Chairman of the ZoneCorp, Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Finance Department, H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of higher Education and Scientific Research, H.E. Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Brigadier H.E. Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Critical National Infrastructure Authority, Sheikh Mohammed bin Nahyan bin Mubarak, H.E. Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority, H.E. Mugheer Al Khaily, Director General of Abu Dhabi Education Council, ministers, officials and diplomats.
"With deep admiration for the people of UAE, and for their leaders who believe, as we do, that the arts lie at the very heart of civilization, the Republic of France joins in celebrating this auspicious day," stated President Sarkozy.
"Together, we have embarked on an extraordinary journey of cultural exchange and collaboration and I believe that our two countries will forever be strengthened by this partnership." Sarkozy recalled his previous visit to the UAE and the partnership agreements reached during that visit. He said he was proud to see foundation stones laid for both the Sorbonne Abu Dhabi and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
He referred to peaceful nuclear energy as another field for cooperation between the two countries.
"The peaceful nuclear energy - the future energy - should not be in the hands of the Western countries only. The oil producing countries should prepare for the post-oil era." Sarkozy hailed the project to construct Masdar carbon-free city and praised the UAE's vision for sustainable development.
"The modernity movement could come from the Gulf region. All are urged to come up with new ideas," he said.
Sarkozy described his country's relations with the UAE as strong and called for enriching them by ideas and long term partnerships. He said that cooperation between the two countries in energy reflected UAE's pioneering role and its policies for sustainable development and diversification.
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