DUBAI, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed on Thursday his country's commitment to strengthening political and economic ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
He made the remarks during his speech at the UAE-French Business Forum in Dubai, the Dubai Chamber of Business, Commerce and Industry said in a statement.
Macron highlighted the need to "create a new world for the young generation, based on respect, tolerance and reason," adding that business and education are important to achieve the goal.
He stressed the shared values of culture, civilization and economy between the UAE and France, hailing the progress that the two countries have made in terms of promoting innovation and building smart cities.
Earlier this year, Dubai media reported that bilateral trade between the two countries was estimated at 5.6 billion U.S. dollars in 2016.
Around 80 percent of UAE's exports to France was crude oil, according to reports quoting figures provided by the Abu Dhabi Chamber.
The UAE-French Business Forum was attended by ministers, key decision makers and business leaders from the UAE and France.
