Minister of Social Development and the Family H E Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad and French Ambassador to Qatar H E Jean-Baptiste Faivre cutting the ceremonial cake, while Director of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs H E Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Fakhroo looks on.
The French embassy in Doha marked their National Day, highlighting various developments in France-Qatar bilateral relations achieved over 50 years.
The French community in Qatar, Qatari dignitaries and members of the diplomatic corps were in presence during the celebration at the Ritz-Carlton Doha on Thursday.
Minister of Social Development and Family H E Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad and Director of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs H E Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Fakhroo were among the special guests. French Ambassador to Qatar H E Jean-Baptiste Faivre highlighted the strong ties between Qatar and France in areas such as politics, trade, investment, defence, security, education and several others.
Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between France and Qatar, he said, “The relationship between France and Qatar is an old and good one.”
Faivre emphasised on the recent achievements and developments in Qatar-France bilateral relations and said that several meetings were held between Qatari and French heads of state, ministers and other officials.
“A dynamic revival has been initiated at the highest level,” he said.
He also appreciated the support he experienced since his arrival as the ambassador to Qatar and said, “I came to Qatar with a clear mandate from the President of the Republic to bring our relationship to the highest possible level. For the past year, I have had the pleasure of working with the entire French team based in Qatar as well as with our Qatari partners to foster this relationship. I am truly confident that we can achieve great projects together in the future.”
“I sincerely appreciate the support that I have witnessed since my arrival and I am truly confident that we can achieve great projects together in the future… I believe that great work has been done this year to strengthen the relationship, which is once again excellent,” he said.
Faivre highlighted European Commission’s proposal in April to lift visa requirements for nationals of Qatar.
“I am pleased that the French presidency of the European Union has made it possible to make progress towards a future of visa waiver for the citizens of Qatar,” he said.
“These developments mirror the renewed vitality of our partnership,” he added.
