State visit between France and Qatar

His Excellency Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, made a state visit to Doha on 20 and 21 October 2026, where he met with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar. The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen their historical partnership and cooperation in defense, security, energy, economic affairs, and university and cultural exchanges.

Bilateral strategic dialogue

The two heads of state welcomed the holding of the fourth edition of the bilateral strategic dialogue, co-chaired by His Excellency Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, and His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar. They exchanged views on regional and international issues, particularly the escalation of tensions in the region.

Regional tensions and diplomacy

They discussed ways to ease these tensions, ensure freedom of navigation and energy security, and achieve lasting peace through dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful means. They condemned Iranian military attacks against countries in the region, which they considered a serious violation of international law. They reaffirmed their support for efforts aimed at achieving a diplomatic solution to respond durably to Iranian threats.

Energy and navigation

The two heads of state reaffirmed the necessity of restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, without restriction or tax, and expressed their support for initiatives aimed at achieving this objective. They also reaffirmed their continued work with their international partners to promote regional and international security and stability, and they agreed to intensify their consultations and coordinate their joint diplomatic efforts to contain tensions.

Energy security and peace in the Middle East

The State of Qatar reaffirmed its determination to play the role of a reliable partner in service of global energy security and the stability of energy supplies. The two heads of state welcomed their remarkable cooperation on regional and global issues and reaffirmed their will to achieve peace and lasting stability in the Middle East. They reaffirmed their support for the two-state solution, with an independent Palestinian state living side by side with Israel in peace and security.

Support for international resolutions

The two heads of state expressed their support for United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 and the overall plan presented by His Excellency Mr. Donald Trump, President of the United States of America, aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza. They emphasized the need for all parties to respect all their obligations under relevant agreements and frameworks, particularly the implementation of the ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.

Support for Lebanon and regional stability

Regarding Lebanon, France and Qatar reaffirmed their determination to support the stability and sovereignty of this country, as they have consistently done as members of the Quintet. They declared that the imminent end of the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon should not create a security vacuum capable of destabilizing the country and the entire region.

Support for Syria and African partnerships

France and Qatar emphasized the importance of carrying out reforms, particularly on the economic and financial planes, and reaffirmed their intention to continue providing humanitarian aid to the civilian population severely affected. They affirmed their commitment to continue their cooperation in support of stability in Libya, Syria, Sudan, the Horn of Africa, the Great Lakes region, and Yemen, as well as their support for the political processes led by the United Nations.

Defense and security cooperation

Strengthening the defense and security partnership to face growing challenges. The two countries agreed to strengthen their defense capabilities through the intensification of their military cooperation, particularly between their land forces, marking the opening of a new chapter in the Franco-Qatari military partnership. A letter of intent was signed to entrust KNDS France and John Cockerill Defense with the modernization of the Qatari Land Forces.

Civil protection and economic partnership

France and Qatar also welcomed the strengthening of their partnership in the field of civil protection, particularly through their joint support for the Syrian Civil Defense. They welcomed the signing of a new three-year action plan between the French Ministry of the Interior and the Minister of the Interior and Internal Security Forces of Qatar, which will provide this partnership with a sustainable framework in terms of internal security and civil protection.

Economic and energy cooperation

An expanded partnership in the fields of economy, energy, trade, and investment. France and Qatar affirmed their determination to prioritize direct investments in both countries, emphasizing strategic sectors such as energy, communication technologies, digital transformation and artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, defense and security, particularly cybersecurity, as well as defense industry projects, and culture, urban and transport infrastructure, real estate, tourism, education, and health.

Cultural and educational cooperation

Cooperation in the fields of culture, education, and sports. The two countries expressed the desire to increase cooperation in the fields of arts, education, culture, and heritage, to deepen and expand partnerships between cultural and educational institutions, and to support investments in creative industries in France and Qatar. They jointly reaffirmed their long-standing support for the Institut du monde arabe and emphasized its valuable contribution to cultural dialogue and mutual understanding between France and the member states of the Arab League.