Mattar Salem Al Dhaheri, UAE’s Undersecretary Ministry of Defense, received on Monday, Admiral Bernard Rogel, the Chief of Staff of the French Navy, to discuss ways of boosting strategic coordination and cooperation in defense and military issues.

The meeting, which took place at the Ministry headquarters in Abu Dhabi, also tackled a variety of topics of mutual concern, UAE national news agency WAM reported.

A number of senior Ministry officials attended the meeting.

Admiral Bernard Rogel also visited Wahat Al Karama (Oasis of Dignity) memorial to pay tribute to the Emirati martyrs, who had made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the nation.

He was accompanied by Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Director of the Martyrs’ Families’ Affairs Office at the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court.

He laid a wreath at the Martyrs Memorial and toured the memorial.

Rogel wrote a statement in the guestbook expressing his tribute to the martyrs, who had offered their lives to protect the country's achievements.

Wahat Al Karama is a national symbol and a source of inspiration. The interest of the official delegation to visit the memorial reflects the global recognition for the place, Tahnoun said on the occasion.