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French President Sarkozy to open UAE base French President Sarkozy opens UAE base
(about 3 hours later)
President Nicolas Sarkozy is due to formally open a French military base in the United Arab Emirates, France's first permanent base in the Gulf. President Nicolas Sarkozy has formally opened a French military base in the United Arab Emirates, France's first permanent base in the Gulf.
Mr Sarkozy flew to the capital, Abu Dhabi, on Monday with four ministers and a delegation of businessmen. The flags of France and the UAE were raised at a ceremony at the so-called "Peace Camp" in the Abu Dhabi emirate.
France is a leading military supplier to the Gulf state, and signed a nuclear cooperation agreement last year. France is a leading military supplier to the Gulf state, and signed a nuclear co-operation agreement last year.
Its "Peace Camp" will host up to 500 French troops and include a navy base, air base, and training camp. Its new base will host up to 500 French troops and include a navy base, air base, and training camp.
Mr Sarkozy said in a recent interview with Diplomatie magazine that the military presence underscored France's desire "to participate fully in the stability of this region that is essential for the world's equilibrium". Mr Sarkozy flew to Abu Dhabi on Monday with four ministers and a delegation of businessmen.
Analysts say the move positions France - along with the US and UK, who already have bases in the Gulf - for lucrative defence contracts and nuclear energy deals. In a recent interview with Diplomatie magazine, he said that the military presence underscored France's desire "to participate fully in the stability of this region that is essential for the world's equilibrium".
Analysts say the move positions France - along with the US and UK, which already have bases in the Gulf - in the forefront for lucrative defence contracts and nuclear energy deals.
DiplomacyDiplomacy
Mr Sarkozy opened his 20-hour visit to the UAE by dining with Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed al-Nahyan, AFP news agency reported.Mr Sarkozy opened his 20-hour visit to the UAE by dining with Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed al-Nahyan, AFP news agency reported.
An official accompanying him said Mr Sarkozy also hopes to visit Pakistan in the autumn to show his support for Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari in his fight against Taliban insurgents. An official accompanying him said Mr Sarkozy also hoped to visit Pakistan in the autumn to show his support for Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari in his fight against Taliban insurgents.
France and Pakistan agreed to cooperate in the field of civilian nuclear energy during Mr Zardari's visit to Paris earlier this month, but details of the plan have yet to be agreed.France and Pakistan agreed to cooperate in the field of civilian nuclear energy during Mr Zardari's visit to Paris earlier this month, but details of the plan have yet to be agreed.
An aide to the French leader also said that India will be guest of honour at France's national day celebrations this year.An aide to the French leader also said that India will be guest of honour at France's national day celebrations this year.
Indian regiments would march in front of the French army in Paris on 14 July and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will be present at the parade, the official said.Indian regiments would march in front of the French army in Paris on 14 July and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will be present at the parade, the official said.