And the red carpet treatment Macron can expect from Gulf political heavyweights would present France as the EU powerhouse in the Gulf and Middle East since Britain’s exit from the bloc. Both Gulf leaders value a degree of pragmatism when discussing democracy and human rights – issues on which their countries have been heavy criticized by rights groups and European lawmakers — while pursuing business opportunities. The UAE opened a French naval base in 2009 at Abu Dhabi’s Port Zayed. Gulf countries have long been concerned by Iran’s nuclear ambitions and influence across the region, particularly in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon. “This is a hot topic,” the French official said, adding that Macron discussed the issues in a phone call Monday with Iran’s president.

Source: Libya Today December 03, 2021 10:07 UTC