France takes on strategic role in key Gulf oil route

PARIS (AFP) – France’s first permanent military base since the end of the colonial era gives it a strategic role in the Strait of Hormuz bordering Iran, the main supply route for world oil.

France and the United Arab Emirates signed an accord during a visit by President Nicolas Sarkozy Tuesday, which calls for Paris to set up a military base in Abu Dhabi, the wealthiest and largest of the UAE’s seven emirates.


The military facility, due to become operational in 2009, will eventually host 400 to 500 French army, navy and air force personnel, according to a military aide to Sarkozy.

Defence Minister Herve Morin said Wednesday the chief purpose of the base will be to provide support for “the military means that we regularly deploy in the countries of the Gulf.”

But he also described it as part of a “strategic partnership” that would allow France to “take part in the stabilisation of the region”.

AFP