Dubai: The French, Emirati and expat communities gathered on July 13 in Dubai ahead of the Bastille Day celebrations on Friday.

The ceremony, which was held under the slogan of French-Emirati friendship, was attended by French and Emirati citizens, partners and officials, most notably Olivier Becht, Minister Plenipotentiary for Foreign Trade, Economic Attractiveness and the French Abroad, and Emirati Dr. Thani Al-Zeyoudi. Minister of State for Foreign Trade.

“(The French people in the UAE) are our best ambassadors, ambassadors of our experiences, our way of living, and ambassadors of our values ​​of freedom, equality and fraternity,” Becht told Arab News en Francais.

The region in which they (French expatriates) are settled is of great importance to France. We have had a strong historical relationship with the United Arab Emirates for more than 50 years, which is a strategic partnership, but we also have strong relationships with other countries in the region. He is of particular interest ahead of COP 28, which the UAE will host in November this year.

We are proud that the United Arab Emirates will host and chair it. This fall, we are convinced that together we will succeed in meeting this great challenge, decarbonizing our economy, and ensuring that our planet remains viable and breathable for our children and grandchildren.”

The event brought together the French and Francophone community, with participants from various sectors, including French Ambassador to the UAE Nicolas Nemchino and Natalie Kennedy, Consul General of France in Dubai.

Following the Emirati anthem and the anthem of the United Arab Emirates, the Consul General addressed the audience, and delivered part of her speech in Arabic, confirming the relations between France and the Emirates.

“Our community in the UAE is very active and vibrant. Every year, I admire their ability to adapt and contribute to the extraordinary dynamism and diversity of Dubai. Kennedy said, “Members of this community … can take credit for making our country shine abroad.”

Nemchinov gave the floor to deliver a speech in which he highlighted the exceptional character that governs the bilateral relations between France and the United Arab Emirates, and the size and coherence of the French-Emirati partnerships, which today cover all areas, including health, education and environmental protection, among others. .

The UAE is a major international hub where France must play its full role. The United Arab Emirates and France are longstanding partners and true friends who enjoy a high level of trust and closeness on a wide range of important issues. Globally and in the Middle East, our two countries share common goals on key core issues, such as climate change and COP28,” said the French ambassador.

French MP Amelia Lacrave highlighted the need for French residents abroad in the UAE to register at the consulate.

“It is important for us to help them administratively, and more importantly, the more they are registered, the more resources we can allocate to the consulates. Help us help you better,” he told Craffey.

According to Lacrave, more than 45,000-50,000 unregistered French citizens live in the UAE. Registration is important to know how many French nationals are in the UAE and the region.

Highlighting the recent riots in France, he stressed efforts by the French government to “move in the right direction”, but said “it will take some time to undo what has been undone”.

She added, “It is unfortunate and sad to see how the climate has deteriorated, and I truly commend us collectively, the majority MPs, for voting for such a significant increase in the Home Office budget.”

This year’s Bastille Day is an opportunity to share a message of optimism and willingness to offer support. “July 14 is our national holiday. It’s a moment of unity, inclusivity, and openness,” he told Craffey.