The visit of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to France highlights the strength and depth of strategic ties between two countries. It is the second visit of H H the Amir to France in less than a year that shows the importance of bilateral relations.
Bilateral relations between Qatar and France are witnessing a qualitative leap and cover all dimensions economic, political, security, etc. The economic relations between Qatar and France are strong as France is one of the preferred destinations for Qatari investors. The value of Qatari investments in France is estimated at $30 billion, including private investments amounting to $ 10 billion.
France is the seventh-largest economic partner of Qatar. Doha is one of France’s leading trading partners in the Gulf region and a destination for French companies wanting to invest in the region. The cooperation between France and Qatar in the fields of security and defense is the cornerstone of their bilateral cooperation.
Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in a joint press conference along French President Emmanuel Macron yesterday, expressed his pride in the relationship between the two countries.
H H the Amir said that his meeting with President Macron tackled a number of regional issues, especially Syria and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. His Highness also expressed thanks and appreciation for the position of the French President on the Gulf crisis, his support for the State of Qatar and his affirmation that the only solution to the crisis is through dialogue between all parties.
President Macron described the French-Qatari relations as solid and strategic, adding that Qatar is a reliable partner and a friendly country with an ambition and a vision for the future, which brings the two countries closer to each other.
The French President added that France and Qatar are working together firmly against terrorism, especially in North Africa and the Middle East. He added that the meeting with H H the Amir discussed combating the financing of terrorism and extremism, pointing to the continuation of previous discussions between the two countries, especially during his visit to Qatar in December and the signing of the Declaration of Intent in the field of combating terrorism and its financing.
President Macron reiterated France’s support for the Kuwaiti mediation to resolve the Gulf crisis, pointing to the daily suffering of the people of Qatar because of the actions taken against them, especially with regard to the separation of families. He stressed the need to resolve the crisis through dialogue in order to stabilize the region which is experiencing many tensions, affirming France’s continued dialogue with all parties for reconciliation.
