France’s pioneering role in the fight against piracy off the Horn of Africa and the French military presence in the United Arab Emirates, inaugurated by President Sarkozy on 26 May 2009, are two illustrations of how France is taking on its full responsibilities in this strategically important region. They demonstrate strong political will supported by a permanent posture of pre-positioned armed forces, which mean France can prepare and react. In the context of his responsibilities as operational controller of this new structure, the French maritime commander of the region, ALINDIEN, was charged by the Chief of Defence Staff (CEMA) with overseeing the organization of a symposium on maritime security that was held in Abu Dhabi on 25/26 May 2009 in the presence of the two Heads of State.