Qatar and France have reaffirmed their desire to hold the next session of the French-Qatari Strategic Dialogue in Doha in early 2022.
“President of the French Republic, H E Emmanuel Macron, conducted a visit to Doha on December 4, 2021. He was welcomed by Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. During their meeting in Doha, H H the Amir and President of France agreed on the need to develop a bilateral cooperation in all areas ahead of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the two countries,” said the Joint Statement issued on the occasion of French President visit to Qatar.
During the visit two agreements were signed including an MoU between ministries of finance of the two countries and a letter of intent on cultural cooperation.
H H the Amir and H E President of France expressed their willingness to take the strategic partnerships a step further in order to tackle together regional and global challenges. Both sides emphasized their shared ambition to find the path to peace for a more stable and prosperous region.
With respect to Afghanistan, the President of the French Republic reiterated his sincere thanks for the remarkable assistance provided by Qatar in repatriating French nationals and their dependents and in protecting Afghans at risk. HE the President also commended the successful joint Qatar France humanitarian operation to deliver 40 tonnes of urgent aid to Kabul on a Qatari flight.
On Lebanon, both leaders strongly reaffirmed the need for Lebanon’s stability and security to be preserved. Qatar welcomed Frances efforts in Lebanon in the face of an unprecedented crisis. Both leaders expressed their solidarity with the Lebanese people and reiterated their willingness to step up their emergency response. President Macron commended Qatar for its readiness to engage in more structural support to Lebanon depending on concrete and sectorial measures. Both sides also agreed on the need for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAFs) to be further be supported. Finally, France and Qatar recalled the need for the Lebanese authorities to organise parliamentary elections in March 2022 in a transparent manner and without delays.
H E President Macron and H H the Amir discussed the nuclear talks in Vienna and underscored the importance of a negotiated solution that provides for the return of Iran and the US to full compliance with the JCPOA. They reaffirmed the need to continue to address broader security concerns of the region. President Macron welcomed Qatar’s regional diplomatic efforts to deescalate tensions in the Gulf region.
H H the Amir congratulated President Macron for convening the international conference on Libya in Paris on November 12. Both sides reiterated their commitment to promote a comprehensive solution to the Libyan crisis, that meets the aspirations of the Libyan people. They expressed their willingness to work in close coordination on the successful holding of elections on December 24, 2022, and on the withdrawal from Libya of all mercenaries and foreign fighters.
On Syria, Qatar and France recalled their attachment to a full, unhindered humanitarian access into Syria that is vital for alleviating the impact of the crisis. Both countries reiterated their commitment to promote a credible, sustainable and inclusive political solution in line with UNSCR 2254, as the only way to both create all necessary conditions for the voluntary, safe and dignified return of the refugees, and to prevent regional interferences.
On the Middle East Peace Process, Qatar and France reaffirmed that the two-state solution, in accordance with international law and within the framework of internationally agreed parameters, is the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace in the region. They also commended UNRWA’s role as an essential provider of vital services to millions of Palestine refugees and as a stabilising force in the region.
The security and defense relationship plays a central role in the strategic partnership between France and Qatar. In line with the great founding partnerships of the modern Qatari armed forces, the two governments shared their views on new ambitions of common interest for space and military innovation, particularly ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Both sides underscored firmly their commitment to pursue and intensify the fight against terror and radicalisation, including the financing of terrorism, which constitutes a major threat to our collective security.
Both sides agreed on bolstering their institutional cooperation in the agricultural sector and in finding new ways to finance projects, such as through public-private partnerships. With regard to investments, France and Qatar attach great importance to the strong partnership they have built. Both leaders welcomed the willingness of QIA and Bpifrance to launch the second phase of Future French Champions partnership, with the signature of a new investment package of EUR 300 million.
As for the cultural, educational, scientific and academic sectors, both sides expressed their admiration to continue their discussions in these areas, to ensure the widest possible access to the arts and to enhance the museum offering in Doha.
Both parties identified sport as a key area of cooperation, and agreed to explore new partnerships in this field. France and Qatar will host two major sporting events: the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Olympic Games.
