The Facts
France is open to investments in its nuclear energy industry from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire.
Le Mare’s comments on Tuesday came as he was visiting Abu Dhabi to sign a strategic partnership agreement with the UAE on artificial intelligence (AI), telling reporters that “We [France] are open to that kind of cooperation” regarding energy investments.
The Spin
While there are certainly differences between the UAE and Western countries, the Gulf state has become a pivotal strategic and economic ally to many European countries. With a booming economy and robust investment fund, the UAE is becoming a global leader in technology and innovation, and it is very prudent for Western nations to pursue partnerships with the Emirate instead of alienating it. The UAE is working to become a conduit that connects all factions of the globe, and it is seeking relationships that
While the UAE may be trying to pour money on Western governments, it is important to remember that the Middle Eastern nation is not aligned with Western values and is seeking to buy diplomatic pull. While economic considerations should play a role in diplomatic and strategic negotiations between states, it is also important for Western leaders to not compromise their broader obligations. European and American leaders need to remain aware of the UAE’s aims, and they must put their sovereign democracies above
