His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has conferred General Jean-Pierre Bosser, Chief-of-Staff of the French Army, the Emirates Military Order (First Class), in recognition of his services in promoting joint cooperation between UAE Armed Forces and its French counterparts.

Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defense Affairs, decorated General Bosser with the medal during a meeting last week.

The two sides discussed ways of strengthen defense ties between the two friendly countries. They also discussed a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest and exchanged views, Emirates news agency WAM reported.

Present on the occasion were Matar Salim Ali Al Dhaheri, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Defense, a number of senior officers from the ministry and the Armed Forces, as well as the delegation accompanying the guest.

General Bosser expressed his thanks and appreciation to the UAE leadership for this honor, pointing out that the partnership relations between both countries are historic and well established and will grow stronger over time.

He also wished the UAE further progress, development, and prosperity.

For his part, Major General Saleh Mohammed Saleh Majran Al Amiri, Commander of the Ground Forces of the UAE, also received General Jean-Pierre Bosser, Chief- of-Staff of the French Army, and his accompanying delegation.

At the meeting, the two sides reviewed aspects of joint military cooperation between the UAE Ground Forces and their French counterparts and means of developing them. They also discussed a number of issues of mutual interest.