His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, today received visiting French President Francois Hollande and discussed with him ways of strengthening friendship and co-operation between the UAE and France in various spheres to serve the common interests of the two countries.

The duo discussed cultural co-operation, initiatives and projects for safeguarding cultural heritage as well as efforts being made by the two countries in increasing awareness of the importance of protecting historical sites from armed conflicts.

They noted that the timing of the two-day Safeguarding Endangered Cultural Heritage, which began in Abu Dhabi today, is highly important for highlighting the significance of protecting heritage and finding appropriate solutions to preserve ancient sites.

The two leaders further tackled the level of co-ordination between their countries within the context of their strategic partnership that aims to establish security and stability in the region and the values of tolerance, co-existence between states and peoples.

H.H. Sheikh Mohamed and President Hollande also exchanged views about regional and international developments of common concern.

UAE officials who attended the meeting included H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority (EAA); Mohammed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Under-Secretary of the Court of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince; Lt. General Isa Saif Bin Ablan Al Mazrouei, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, and Madhed Hareb Al Khaiili, the UAE Ambassador to France.

French officials who attended the meeting included Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister of Culture and Communication Audry Azoulay, Diplomatic Advisor to the French President Jacques Audibert, and Ambassador to the UAE Michel Miraillet.