Bolstering co-operation and friendly ties between the UAE and France, with a focus on co-ordination of military and defense areas, were at the center of talks on Monday between His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and visiting French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian (photo), UAE national news agency WAM reported.

The pair also exchanged their views on issues of common concern, including developments in the region as well as the efforts being exerted by the UAE and France to achieve regional peace, stability and security.

Senior UAE officials who attended the meeting at the al-Shatea’ Palace included Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defense Affairs; Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority (EAA); Mohammed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Under-Secretary at the Court of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince; Humaid Al Shimmari, Chief Executive Officer, Aerospace and Engineering Services at Mubadala; Lt. General Juma Ahmed Al Bowardi Al Falasi, Adviser to Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Force; and Major General Staff Pilot Ibrahim Nasser Mohammed Al Alaw, Commander of Air Force and Air Defense.

French Ambassador to the UAE Michel Miraillet and members of the delegation accompanying the Defense Minister also attended the meeting.

In another development, a No. 1 membership under the “We Are All Police” initiative was awarded to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in the presence of Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

Sheikh Hazza has also becomes Member No. 2 of the initiative, launched by Abu Dhabi Police last month to promote happiness and ensure safety, with the aim to make Abu Dhabi the safest city in the world.

The membership cards were presented to Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Hazza by Major General Mohammed Khalfan Al Rumaithi, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police in the presence of many Senior Police Officers at the Crown Prince’s Court of Abu Dhabi.

“Amid the security challenges and availability of human and material resources to deal with them, there is a need for concerted efforts through effective participation by all individuals and institutions to prevent illegal activities and practices in a timely manner,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

Sheikh Hazza praised the initiative, calling on members of the community to participate. “We Are All Police” is an innovative initiative that we must all contribute to support, he said, citing that Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, bears the honor of being the first member of the initiative.