UAE confirms full solidarity with France in face of Nice terror attack

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abu Dhabi on Friday condemned in the strongest possible terms the heinous terrorist crime that killed at least 84 civilians in Nice of France.

In a statement released by state Emirates News Agency (WAM), H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said "the UAE strongly condemns this heinous and horrific crime. It also confirms its full solidarity with the friendly Republic of France, and backs all procedures it takes to tackle these circumstances."

This "heinous terrorist crime" makes it imperative for all to work decisively and without hesitation to counter the terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, he added.

Sheikh Abdullah offered his sincere condolences to the French government, people of France and families of the victims, wishing those injured a speedy recovery.

A truck rammed into a crowd celebrating the French national day in Nice, Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said on Friday.

At least 80 people have been killed and 18 remain in "critical condition," said the minister.

The UAE and France are close economic partners. More than 600 French companies run branches in the UAE, according to UAE daily Khaleej Times. Bilateral trade reached 5.4 billion euros (6.01 billion U.S. dollars) in 2014.

(APD)