Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State, has received the French Ambassador to the UAE, Ludovic Pouille, with the aim of strengthening ties between both countries.

During the meeting, Dr. Al Shamsi welcomed the French Ambassador and wished him success in his mission in the UAE.

She highlighted the bilateral relations that have witnessed mutual co-operation in numerous areas including family, women empowerment, and the artistic and cultural movement. She further pointed out the ways to promote co-operation.

She stressed that the UAE's wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses Rulers of the Emirates are keen to support and strengthen these relations.

Dr. Al Shamsi also spoke about the achievements of Emirati women on the local and international front, and stressed that the UAE’s wise leadership has supported women and promoted them in the community in different areas.

She praised the efficient role of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, in constantly supporting women and encouraging them to actively participate in various sectors.

Ludovic Pouille praised the UAE achievements in all the development areas, particularly in the fields of gender equality and women empowerment, and hailed the role of H.H Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak in ensuring women’s participation in the political and economic sphere.

He stressed France’s desire to expand the scope of bilateral co-operation in family care, gender equality and education through the exchange of experiences between both countries.

He further highlighted the inauguration of the Louvre Museum next November and his country's desire to promote a cultural movement between both countries.