Doha, 14 July 2022 (QT)

By Ashraf Siddiqui

Bilateral relations between France and Qatar are excellent in all sectors including in the diplomatic, political, economic, investments, defence, internal security, sports, educational and cultural fields, the Ambassador of France to Qatar Jean-Baptiste Faivre, has said.

“I am convinced that the relationship between the two countries must be exceptional, and that is precisely what our efforts are aimed at,” he said while addressing a press conference on the eve of 133th anniversary of the fall of Bastile prisons, Paris on 14th July 1789, as a national holiday.

The French envoy said that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, and Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian, led the inaugural Qatar-France Strategic Dialogue on March 28, 2022, in Doha, which has designed a clear roadmap in further strengthening of relationship in all sectors.

Strategic dialogues took place in coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, he said, adding that both sides reaffirmed their mutual commitment to bolstering friendly relations.

The two most widely celebrated holidays in France are Bastile Day (14 July) and All Saints Day (1st November). Faivre, who presented his credentials in September last year, said, “It’s an honour for me to head the French embassy in Qatar, because Qatar is a strategic partner of France, a friendly country and a power that counts at the regional and international levels.”

“In terms of bilateral relations, a strong impetus has been given by our Heads of States. Since my arrival, they have met three times, each time for in-depth talks, in Baghdad in August, in Doha in December and on 29 May in Paris.”

The French envoy said that former Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian, has visited Qatar three times in six months between September 2021 and March 2022. “This dynamic continues with our new Minister, Mrs Catherine Colonna, who was keen to have a very quick first telephone conversation
with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on 27 June, and recently both met a few days back in Paris on the occasion of the Choose France Summit.”
Moreover, French Minister of Home Affairs, Gérald Darmanin visited Qatar in December last and participated in the inauguration of the Milipol Qatar trade show in May.

The French envoy noted that in regards to political relationship, France and Qatar strongly share the will to resolve regional issues through peaceful means and dialogue. In this regard, both sides have had many contacts on major international issues such as Palestine, Libya, Syria, Iran, Afghanistan and Chad.

He expressed his gratitude for Qatar’s mediation on several issues including Chad and Afghanistan.

Faivre said that France is firmly committed to the two-state solution on Palestine issue and has long been opposed to the continuation of the occupation and colonization, which are neither acceptable nor sustainable.

“These situations, which are contrary to international law, lead to tragedies as we have unfortunately seen with the death of the journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed on 11 May in Jenin. This shocking attack, as well as the police violence that occurred during the funeral, were condemned by France,” he noted.

Talking on defence cooperation, he said that France has a long tradition of military cooperation with Qatar and remains committed to supporting Qatar’s defence as well as regional security. He said the last remaining supply of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft will be completed this year.

“Both sides are working on current and developing threats such as cyber threats, fight against terrorism or organised crime, to name a few.”

On the forthcoming mega FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the French envoy said that France will be providing support of French police, gendarmerie and army.

“‘We have got a lot to learn from Qatar’s experience to make our own upcoming competitions (Rugby World Cup in 2023 and Olympic games in 2024) a success,” he pointed out.

The French envoy said he regarded economic ties between the two countries as “excellent”, Qatar being a key trading partner for France in a wide range of areas including energy, transportation, logistics, food etc. He said there are numerous areas of furthering cooperation like mutual investments, food security, maritime
transportation, sustainable development, circular economy, waste management, energy etc.

Both sides, he noted, had a substantial and confident dialogue in the field of energy, particularly on Europe’s energy issues. He said Qatar and France are moving forward in the areas of educational cooperation and cultural ties.

France is establishing long-lasting partnership with Qatar Museum. Teams of French experts are involved in projects like the Orientalist Museum, by 2027, and the Art Mill Museum planned for 2028. Moreover, soon an agreement will be signed on cooperation between Sports Museums (or 3 2 1 Museum) and the National Sports Museum in Nice.