The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi welcomed France's foreign minister to Abu Dhabi on Monday.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, met Jean-Yves Le Drian to discuss the latest regional developments.
Mr Le Drian earlier visited Louis Massignon school to open a 300,000 square metre extension of the facility in the Al Saadah area.
"France and the UAE have an exceptional relationship," he said at the school, which opened just months after the country was founded in December 1971.
Mr Le Drian has a packed itinerary and the two day visit also saw the UAE and France launch a partnership for "sustainable development" including the fight against climate change.
He will give a speech on regional issues at Sorbonne Abu Dhabi at 4pm and visit Louvre Abu Dhabi to inaugurate the new exhibition - 10,000 Years of Luxury.
It showcases 350 objects that symbolise the history of fashion, jewellery, art and design - including the oldest natural pearl ever found, which was unearthed in Abu Dhabi last year and made public last week.
