Macron Discusses Energy Security in Abu Dhabi and Manama

Manama-Abu Dhabi-Agencies: Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa held talks yesterday with French President Emmanuel Macron on regional developments and enhancing bilateral cooperation between Paris and Manama. The French president arrived yesterday at the Al Udeid Air Base in Bahrain. Manama is Macron’s third stop on his Gulf tour, following visits to Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, and he is scheduled to conclude his tour in Qatar today.

Official French sources stated that Macron secured new commitments during his Gulf tour to ensure energy supplies and lower fuel prices in France. The UAE and Bahrain agreed to supply Paris with a combined additional 200,000 tons of diesel per month. With Saudi shipments, these commitments raise the total monthly supply to 295,000 tons. The Elysee Palace announced yesterday that the agreement with the UAE includes approximately 100,000 tons of diesel per month, while the additional 100,000 tons were to be secured during Macron’s talks in Bahrain. The committed supplies represent slightly more than 10% of France’s total consumption.

In Abu Dhabi, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed with the French President ways to strengthen strategic relations between the two countries and expand economic and investment cooperation, alongside regional developments and their impact on maritime security and global energy supplies. According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the talks took place during the UAE president’s reception of his French counterpart, who was on an official visit aimed at exploring prospects for developing bilateral partnership, particularly in the energy, advanced technology, and artificial intelligence sectors, thereby supporting the mutual interests of both countries and their goals in achieving sustainable development.

Both sides emphasized their commitment to continuing to enhance UAE-French cooperation in vital sectors and accelerating progress in implementing joint projects, especially in energy, advanced technologies, and artificial intelligence, which constitute key pillars of the strategic partnership between Abu Dhabi and Paris.

On the regional front, the two presidents reviewed a number of international issues and developments, foremost among them the latest developments in the Middle East and efforts to contain their repercussions, particularly regarding the security of sea lanes and the stability of energy supplies to global markets. Mohamed bin Zayed and Macron stressed the importance of continued coordination and cooperation between the two countries to support regional security and stability, and to enhance opportunities for peace in a manner that serves the interests of the region’s countries and peoples.