His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, received on Sunday Florence Parly, Minister of the Armed Forces of France, who is currently visiting the UAE.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed welcomed Parly and her accompanying delegation. They discussed ways to enhance ties of co-operation and friendship between the two countries, UAE national news agency WAM reported.

Sheikh Mohamed and the French Minister reviewed joint co-operation and co-ordination between the two sides in military and defense affairs. They also exchanged views on the overall issues of joint interest and the latest developments in the region, as well as the two countries' efforts to achieve security, peace and stability in the region.

Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defense Affairs; Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority; Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Under-Secretary of the Crown Prince’s Court of Abu Dhabi and Ludovic Pouille, French Ambassador to the UAE, attended the meeting.

The French Minister for the Armed Forces has also visited Wahat Al Karama, a memorial tribute to the UAE’s soldiers who lost their lives while serving the nation.

During her tour of the grounds, Parly, who was accompanied by Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Director of the Martyrs’ Families’ Affairs Office at the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court, placed a wreath in front of the memorial which comprises 31 tablets featuring the names of the fallen engraved in aluminum plates. The plates, each leaning on the other, represent the unity, solidarity and mutual support that bind together leadership and citizens with the servicemen and women who protect them.

The French Minister concluded her visit by signing the memorial book, expressing appreciation for the symbolism of Wahat Al Karama and what it represents for the UAE and its people.