French military base in UAE to open in May

ARIS: France will open a military base in the United Arab Emirates this year.

France's military base in the UAE has been established under a strategic partnership and will be operational by the end of May this year, Herve Morin, French Defence Minister said.

The GCC region is very strategic and important for France, on both defence and economic points of view, as well as for regional cooperation, the French defence minister, told reporters.

"We have very special relations with the UAE. And this military base, which will cover the entire region, to help protect the UAE and other allies in the region as the region is very sensitive," he said. Up to 500 personnel will be stationed at the UAE base, from all the three French armed forces of military, navy and air force.

However, he said, the country has no plans to set up similar bases in other countries in the region, as the UAE base will serve them all.

He urged Iran to make its nuclear programme transparent and enter into dialogue.

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