Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian during a joint press conference, yesterday. PIC: RAJAN VADAKKEMURIYIL
Doha: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani affirmed that the first round of the strategic dialogue between Qatar and France embodies the political will of the leaders of the two countries to upgrade and develop these relations to a level that serves the interests of the two friendly peoples.
In a joint press conference with Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, H E Jean-Yves Le Drian, the Deputy Prime Minister said the dialogue included several political and economic issues and international developments, in addition to issues of common interest, including Chadian reconciliation, political developments in Lebanon and Afghanistan, the Palestine cause, Libya, and Iran nuclear talks, in addition to affirming the need for a diplomatic solution to the crisis in Ukraine and respect for international law and international humanitarian law during this crisis.
Earlier, the first round of strategic dialogue between the governments of Qatar and France was held. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs chaired the Qatari side in the strategic dialogue round, while FM Le Drian headed the French side.
During the round, they discussed cooperation and relations between the two countries and means of supporting and developing them, in addition to a number of political and economic issues, and international developments.
The two sides also reviewed the outcomes of the joint working committees of the Qatar-France strategic dialogue in various fields, including defence and security, economy and investment, energy, education, culture and scientific research, climate change and environment, and sports, in testimony to the close strategic partnership between the two countries.
The two sides affirmed, during the round, the need for a diplomatic solution to the crisis in Ukraine and respect for international law and international humanitarian law during this crisis, in addition to the congruence of views on international files and other regional issues.
At a joint press conference, the Deputy Prime Minister described the ties between Qatar and France as a strategic and distinguished relationship in all fields, praising the strides taken by the two countries to develop and strengthen these close historical and strategic relations, noting that the two countries celebrate in 2022 the 50th anniversary of its founding. The Foreign Minister expressed Qatar’s thanks to everyone who contributed and continues to contribute to the development of these distinguished relations.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed Qatar’s commitment to deepening this partnership in all fields to serve common interests that aim to enhance security and stability in the region, stressing the importance of the economic partnership between the two countries in various fields, including investment, energy, trade, cultural, sports, and educational cooperation.
He said both sides affirm the importance of continuing and developing this partnership to broader horizons. In conclusion, he renewed his welcome to the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs in Doha and expressed Qatar’s aspiration to translate this discussion into tangible results.
Speaking on the occasion, Jean-Yves Le Drian said Qatar is a friendly country and reliable partner that has a strategic partnership with France.
He added that France is working with Qatar to meet the new challenges in the energy supply and food security for the continent.
He noted that yesterday’s talks dealt with the situation in Lebanon, adding that they agreed that the restoration of security in Lebanon would pass through the country’s implementation of reforms.
He affirmed that global conditions were turned upside down after Russia’s attack on Ukraine, and considered the Russian attack on Ukraine a direct threat to interests in the European continent, adding that international law cannot be selective, and therefore France condemns Russian violations of international law.
