Royalty in the News

Nicolas Sarkozy promoted France all over the Middle East these past two days. Following his historic visit to Baghdad, the President of France went to Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait, and met with the monarchs of those countries during his tour of the region.

In Oman, Sarkozy aimed to sell French-made aircraft to replace the country’s aging 20 Anglo-French Jaguars. This was to be a challenge since most Middle East countries buy from the English-speaking world.

“These are by tradition Anglo-Saxon countries — fine, but France has its own cards to play,” Sarkozy told journalists before meeting the Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said.

“I am not going to leave here empty-handed. We are sowing seeds and then we will fight to defend our companies and bring back contracts,” he said.

Sarkozy tried to do the same in both Bahrain and Kuwait.

In Bahrain, where he became the first French President to visit the Gulf state in 19 years, he told the Gulf State News newspaper about his plans for France to invest in the country.

“France wants to be a partner with Bahrain in its economic and energy diversification policy, in the long-term, for nuclear power,” Sarkozy said in an exclusive interview on his way to Bahrain.

He also said he believes Bahrain’s economy is strong enough to weather the global credit crunch.

“Bahrain’s cautious economic policy means the country is now well armed to face the economic crisis, due in particular to the excellent reputation of its banking system,” the President said.

“Its role as the reference financial centre in the Middle East should come out stronger.

“In addition, as a pioneer in the development of Islamic financial products, the kingdom no doubt has all the trump cards in its hand to assert itself as a global Islamic financial centre, in the same way as Kuala Lumpur in its sphere of influence.”

Sarkozy also added how important it is for peace in the region, referring to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“Everyone is aware that there is no military solution to this conflict,” he said.

“There is therefore no alternative to restarting negotiations with a view to creating a viable Palestinian state that is independent, modern and democratic alongside Israel.

“Gaza cannot continue to be the world’s largest open-air prison, but to do this, we have to end illegal arms trafficking”

Once arriving in Manama, the Bahraini capital, President Sarkozy met with King Hamad Al Khalifa.

King Hamad voiced Bahrain’s respect for France as he received the President.

Both leaders emphasised strong bilateral relations, expressing interest in further developing them in various political, economic, educational and cultural fields for the benefit of both countries and their peoples.

Last but not least, Sarkozy went to Kuwait, where he was greeted by Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah.

Again, Sarkozy offered to French products by offering the Emir Rafale combat jets, frigates and an anti-missile defense system.

Kuwait had signed a defense pact with France back in 1991, after the Gulf War. France was part of the international coalition which freed the oil-rich state from Iraqi occupation.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy said the two countries would also consider updating their defense pact and cementing “a strategic partnership.”

“Defense ministers are in deep discussions,” and will try to reach agreement on the weapons deal by the end of the year, Sarkozy told reporters in Kuwait City.

Sarkozy said France also would open a military base with air force and navy capabilities in the neighboring United Arab Emirates in April “to help (maintain) stability in the area.”

The French base in Abu Dhabi would be one of only a few run by Western powers, including the United States, and would allow French defense contractors to showcase their hardware.