UAE activates defence agreement with France to ‘confront failed terrorist attempts'

European nation will provide military support and assist the Emirates in protecting its air space

French Defence Minister Florence Parly says her country will provide military support to the Emirates and assist it in protecting its air space. Reuters

The UAE on Friday announced the activation of a joint defence agreement with France in an effort to “confront failed terrorist attempts” against the country.

Earlier, French Defence Minister Florence Parly said the UAE has been a victim of terrorist attacks.

Ms Parly said her country would provide military support to the Emirates and assist it in protecting its air space against any intrusion.

France and the UAE are linked by a strategic partnership, with defence co-operation a part of the agreement, she said.

Ms Parly said her country’s Rafale fighter planes are based in Abu Dhabi and would help the UAE Armed Forces in carrying out surveillance, detection and interception missions, if necessary.

The UAE's Ministry of Defence confirmed the activation of the partnership in a statement on Friday evening.

There have been three attacks on the UAE by Yemen's Houthi rebels in the past month. An attack on January 17 killed three oil company workers — Hardeep Singh, Hardev Singh and Mamoor Khan — and wounded six others.

Missiles fired at the UAE by the Houthis on January 24 and January 31 were intercepted and did not lead to any casualties or damage.

On February 2, the US said it would send fighter jets and a warship to support the UAE.

The US is also reviewing a range of policy options after the attacks on the UAE, including designating the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organisation.

Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to President Sheikh Khalifa, praised France's support for the Emirates in a post on Twitter on Friday.

“The challenges show the nature of the positions that are relied upon. In this context, the distinguished French position in its support for the UAE is highlighted, to be added to the positions of brothers and friends,” said Dr Gargash.

“As usual, the UAE deals with the transient terrorist challenge wisely, based on its solid national defence capabilities and broad global solidarity.”