Abu Dhabi, 11 July 2012 (WAM) - General H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces has reaffirmed UAE's keenness to further ties of friendship and cooperation with France.

This came during his meeting today with President Francois Hollande of France at the Elysee Palace during which, they discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations and cooperation in all fields. The meeting also touched on regional and international developments, as well as issues of mutual interest.

Present during the meeting were Deputy Prime Minister '&' Interior Minister Lt. General H.H. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Sheikh Mohammed conveyed to President Hollande greetings of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his wishes of further progress and prosperity to the people of France.

Sheikh Mohammed congratulated President Hollande on winning the Presidential elections in France and expressed the hope that under his presidency, relations between the two countries will witness further progress. He praised the great role France plays in strengthening cooperation with the UAE in all domains.

The meeting also reviewed developments in the Middle East and the situation in Syria and the need to resolve it in a way that will meet aspirations of the Syrian people.

Also discussed was the Iranian nuclear dossier and the Iranian occupation of the UAE's three islands. The meeting stressed the importance of supporting peaceful international efforts to enhance regional security and stability.

Sheikh Mohammed conveyed to President Hollande an invitation extended by Sheikh Khalifa to pay an official visit to the UAE. The French President accepted the invitation for the visit.

The meeting was attended by Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Executive Affairs Authority, Major General Isa Saif Al Mazrouei, Deputy Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces, Mohammed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Under Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court and Mohammed Mir Abdullah, UAE Ambassador to France.

WAM/MAB