French defence industry sees greater ties with UAE ahead

Guy Tessier, chairman of the French National Assembly's defence committee, said "opportunities for promoting UAE-French relations look promising based on a number of political and industrial considerations. In terms of politics, the two countries maintain a real network of interests and play a vital role in international stability where the UAE enjoys France's support in training programs and peace-keeping operations." "In terms of industry, the UAE's farsighted vision meet with France's belief that huge investments in modern technology inventions is the best way to the future," Tessier added citing Abu Dhabi's establishment of Mubadala and its companies as an achievement which won admiration across the world.
He expressed belief that IDEX and the co-located event, NAVDEX, a dedicated exhibition for the naval defence, coastal and maritime security industries provide a platform for UAE and French defence companies to find fruitful opportunities.
Jean-Marie Poimboeuf is chairman of the Groupement des Industries de Construction et d'Activit s Navales (GICAN) said because IDEX is a significant event for international defence experts and equipment manufacturers and because of the defence and security challenges facing the world today, French companies are keen on showcasing their experience and state-of-the-art equipment to meet the requirement of the UAE Armed Forces.
Jean-Paul Herteman, chairman of the Executive Committee of the French aerospace industries association (Groupement des Industries Francaises Aeronautiques et Spatiales) or GIFAS said "the French aerospace companies' participation in IDEX is part of the UAE-French strategic partnership pact which was signed by the two countries back in 1995." "It is therefore only natural that France's aerospace manufacturers contribute to providing the UAE Armed Forces with the latest technology and equipment, Herteman noted.