French President Sarkozy to open UAE base

President Nicolas Sarkozy is due to formally open a French military base in the United Arab Emirates, France's first permanent base in the Gulf.

Mr Sarkozy flew to the capital, Abu Dhabi, on Monday with four ministers and a delegation of businessmen.

France is a leading military supplier to the Gulf state, and signed a nuclear cooperation agreement last year.

Its "Peace Camp" will host up to 500 French troops and include a navy base, air base, and training camp.