WAM Abu Dhabi, June 28th, 2012 (WAM) -- Engineer Salah Awad Al Sarraj, Acting Executive Director of Town Planning Sector, and Dr. Rola Sadeq, Acting Executive Director of Strategic Planning Sector of Municipality of Abu Dhabi City, received a delegation of the French Communaute d'agglomeration de Montpellier, headed by Pierre Moure, President of the Group, and have discussed the cooperative links and the exchange of expertise in the field of town planning and municipal services.

During the meeting, Eng. Salah Awad Al Sarraj referred to the strong ties of friendship and cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the French Republic, the foundation of which was laid down by the wise leadership of the two countries in the interest of the two friendly peoples.

He also called for strengthening the cooperative relations and communication between Abu Dhabi city and Montpellier Group, and capitalizing on such meetings to bolster the ties and exchange expertise as well as successful practices in all areas of municipal work.

On his part, the head of the French delegation, invited the officials of the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City to visit Montpellier to familiarize themselves with its landmarks and practices. The delegation members expressed admiration of the extensive urbanization seen by the UAE, and the fast strides it made in all fields. They also expressed their interest in benefiting from the experiences of the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City in the construction of infrastructure and service projects.

The delegation made a full presentation about the urban development path in Montpellier along with its strategy, development plans and projects over the forthcoming five years in the fields of housing, town planning, sport and treatment of sewage water.

WAM/ES/AM