Qatar’s PM inaugurates Qatari-French Economic Forum

Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, officially launched the Qatari-French Economic Forum in Paris on February 28, aiming to enhance bilateral trade and investment between the two nations. The inauguration coincided with the visit of Qatar’s Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to France.

The forum included interactive sessions involving business leaders from both countries, focusing on sectors such as tourism, transportation, technology, and innovation. The event concluded with the signing of three agreements and memoranda of understanding between Qatar and France.

The Amir’s visit underscored the importance of the bilateral relationship between Qatar and France, featuring numerous meetings between key figures from both nations.

Qatar will invest 10 billion euros in various French economy sectors

On Tuesday, Qatar announced its plan to increase investments to 10 billion euros (10.85 billion USD) in various sectors in France over the next several years. According to the French presidency, these Qatari investments, scheduled between 2024 and 2030, will be directed towards start-ups and investment funds, with a focus on sectors such as energy, artificial intelligence, health, and hospitality.

Additionally, Doha and Paris signed agreements aimed at enhancing security cooperation, including an administrative agreement pertaining to the security measures for the upcoming Summer Olympic Games, scheduled from July 26 to August 11 in Paris.

The signing ceremony involved Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Qatar’s Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), and Gerald Darmanin, the French Minister of Interior and Overseas Territories. The agreement outlined Qatar’s involvement in securing the upcoming sporting event, with Qatari forces participating in various activities such as foot patrols, mounted patrols, drones, and explosive ordnance disposal, among other crucial elements.

It’s worth noting that France was among the countries contributing to the security efforts during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, attracting millions of football fans to the country for the major sporting event.

Qatar and France are involved in diplomatic efforts in international issues

In 2021, France committed to providing personnel and equipment to Qatar, including the BASSALT anti-drone system capable of detecting and identifying incoming drones. Additionally, France dispatched one of its Air Force’s E-3F Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS), capable of tracking hundreds of targets. The collaboration between the two nations extends to the 2017 agreement for Qatar’s acquisition of 12 French-built Rafale fighter jets under a $1.3 billion order. Over the years, France has been supporting Qatar’s navy with electronic systems through Thales, a French aerospace company.

Beyond military and defence ties, Qatar and France have been actively involved in diplomatic efforts addressing critical regional and international issues. In January, they mediated an agreement facilitating the shipment of medicine to approximately 130 remaining captives in Gaza. The Amir’s visit to Paris also focused on the Israeli war in Gaza.

On February 27, Qatar and France formalized their commitment to humanitarian assistance and emergency intervention by signing a declaration of intent. Simultaneously, three aircraft carrying 75 tonnes of aid for Gaza landed in Egypt’s El Arish, marking the commencement of a joint Qatari and French humanitarian aid initiative. The delivered supplies included 10 ambulances, shelter provisions, and food items, according to a statement from Qatar’s foreign ministry.