Qatar and France sign pact for strategic dialogue

Qatar has always enjoyed a very close relationship with France. Not only is there deep business relationships between the two nations, but Qatar has also bought and invested heavily in the Paris Saint-Germain football club.

The two countries, in a bid to make the relationship even stronger, has announced the signing of a declaration of intent to establish a strategic dialogue between Qatar and France.

Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said the dialogue would constitute ‘a qualitative leap for the distinguished strategic partnership between the two countries,’ according to Gulf Times.

The agreement will cover various areas including defence, security, health, education, culture, sports, economy, investment, combating terrorism and follow-up on developments about relations between the two countries.

Follow-ups will also be made in the implementation of agreements between the two nations.

Sheikh Mohamed met with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian in Doha to sign the ‘strategic dialogue’ agreement.

“The common and firm approach in the relations between Qatar and France calls for constructive steps. The declaration of intent signed for the establishment of a strategic dialogue between the two countries constitutes a qualitative leap in the strategic partnership between Doha and Paris,” Sheikh Mohamed was quoted as saying by Qatar Tribune.

Meanwhile, Le Drian said the agreement ‘obliges’ Paris and Doha to have regular meetings, reported The Peninsula.

Just last week, Qatar had taken delivery of the first of 36 French-built Rafale fighter jets.

Sheikh Mohamed expressed hope that the dialogue will be an essential extension of co-operation mechanisms and open up broad prospects for strengthening co-operation relations between Qatar and France.

During the meeting, the two leaders exchanged views on regional issues, especially the Gulf crisis, Palestinian issue, Syria and ways to confront terrorism.