Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defense Affairs, and French Minister of Armed Forces Florence Parly (photo), have discussed UAE-France defense cooperation relations, and a number of regional and international issues of common concern.

In a telephone call Tuesday, the two Ministers also reviewed the efforts of the two friendly countries to confront and limit the impact of the conronavirus pandemic, Emirates news agency WAM reported.

For his part, H.H Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, discussed on Monday, with Jean-Yves Le Drian, French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, the friendship and strategic cooperation between the UAE and France, as well as several regional and international issues of common concern.

During their telephone conversation, Sheikh Abdullah reviewed the efforts made by the two countries to address the coronavirus pandemic by exchanging expertise and adopting best international practices to monitor and deal with the patients. They both emphasized the significant role of R&D in facing the virus repercussions.

Sheikh Abdullah praised the preventive and precautionary measures taken by France to deal with the crisis and address its fallout.

He added that the current crisis requires global synergy to contain the effect of the disease at various levels, affirming the UAE’s keenness to coordinate with friendly countries on overcoming the crisis, and achieving sustainable development.

The UAE Minister expressed his sincere condolences to Le Drian and the French people on the victims of coronavirus.

He wished the government and people of France, as well as all peoples around the world, good health and safety, stressing the UAE's support for the global efforts to overcome the crisis.

In another development, the UAE Minister of State for Defense Affairs, discussed with Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Singapore, Dr. Mohamad Maliki Osman, ways to enhance defense and military cooperation between the UAE and Singapore in the best interest of the two countries.

In a phone call, Al Bowardi and Osman also exchanged views on the latest development of COVID-19 outbreak and the importance of coordinating work and unifying efforts to contain its repercussions.

They also tackled a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Earlier, the UAE Minister of State for Defense Affairs, and Prabowo Subianto, Indonesian Defense Minister, on Monday, tackled means of enhancing defense and military cooperation in a way that achieves mutual interests.

During a telephone call, Al Bowardi and Subianto reviewed a number of regional and international issues of common concern, especially the developments of the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to contain its repercussions at all levels.