Prime Minister Jean Castex will ultimately not go to the Vatican this Sunday to attend the canonization of Charles de Foucauld. A last minute cancellation due to Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Abu Dhabi on the same day. The president will pay tribute to his counterpart from the United Arab Emirates who died on Friday.
President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Abu Dhabi on Sunday to pay tribute to the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, who died Friday at the age of 73, the Elysée announced. Consequence: Prime Minister Jean Castex will not go to the Vatican as planned, the two heads of the executive cannot be outside the territory at the same time, said Matignon. The French head of state intends “to express his support for his brother the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nayane, as well as the rest of the family and all the Emirati people”, indicated the presidency.
Jean Castex was to go to the Vatican on Sunday as Prime Minister to meet Pope Francis there, before attending the canonization ceremony of ten blessed among whom three French: Charles de Foucauld, César de Bus and Marie Rivier. A visit which was therefore canceled on Saturday morning.
Macron back in Paris on Sunday
Emmanuel Macron spoke Friday with Sheikh Mohammed, known as MBZ, half-brother of the deceased. Rarely seen in public since a stroke in January 2014, Sheikh Khalifa should soon be replaced by MBZ, already considered the de facto leader of this rich Gulf oil monarchy.
Emmanuel Macron made a visit to the Emirates in December 2021, during which he visited the Dubai World Expo and oversaw the signing of several contracts, including one for the supply of 80 Rafale fighter jets, a record order for the fighter plane which entered service in 2004. Emmanuel Macron should return to Paris on Sunday, while the appointment of a new Prime Minister, followed by that of the government, is expected at the start of the week.