French President Nicolas Sarkozy visits Abu Dhabi Monday for the opening of Frances first military base in the Gulf region. Abu Dhabi and France signed a defence pact back in the mid 90’s which calls for annual meetings and joint military training sessions. France has been one of the UAE’s main military arms providers for quite some time.

This is a strategic move by France that has many implications seen by the international community. First, this will certainly put France in a good position to defend the Strait of Hormuz and other key waterways that are essential to the transport of crude oil from the UAE. Also, this is another action by Sarkozy that moves France closer to Iran. This new base may imply that he is serious about getting tough on Tehran and it’s nuclear programs.

French leaders are also hoping that this helps persuade the UAE to sign a contract which will help France replace it aging combat planes with new advanced Rafale jets.

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