Joint Statement between the State of Qatar and the French Republic on the Occasion of the Visit of HE President Emmanuel Macron to Doha

In light of the deep-rooted historical relations and ever-evolving cooperation between the State of Qatar and the French Republic, HE President Emmanuel Macron of the French Republic paid a state visit to Doha from October 20 to 21, 2026, at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar.

The in-depth talks held between His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, and HE President Emmanuel Macron of the French Republic reflected the strength and deep-rooted nature of bilateral relations and the mutual trust that characterizes them. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen their historic partnership and intensify cooperation in the fields of defense, security, energy, economic affairs, academic and cultural exchanges, as well as close political and diplomatic coordination. They welcomed the fourth session of the Bilateral Strategic Dialogue, which was held on the sidelines of the visit to the UAE, under the chairmanship of HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and HE Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic Jean-Noël Barrot.

Regional and International Situations

The two sides exchanged views on the latest developments related to a number of regional and international issues, especially the escalation in the region, ways to reduce tensions, ensure freedom of navigation and energy security, and achieve sustainable peace through dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful means.

In light of the extremely sensitive security and geopolitical developments in the region, HE the French President affirmed France's unequivocal solidarity with the State of Qatar. The two sides condemned Iran's military attacks on the countries of the region, which constitute a serious violation of international law. They reaffirmed their long-term support for all efforts to reach a diplomatic solution that permanently addresses the threats posed by Iran, in particular ensuring that the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme is verified. The French president praised Qatar's mediation efforts to this end. The two sides reaffirmed the need to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz without restrictions or fees, and expressed their support for efforts to achieve this goal. They also reaffirmed their continued work with their international partners to enhance regional and international security and stability, and agreed to intensify consultations and coordinate joint diplomatic efforts to contain tensions and de-escalate, especially in light of the challenges facing the region. In this context, the State of Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to its role as a trusted partner in supporting global energy security and the stability of energy supplies.

HH The Amir of the State of Qatar and HE the French President praised their countries' distinguished cooperation on regional and global issues, and reaffirmed their commitment to achieving lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. They also reaffirmed their support for a two-state solution, which would ensure the establishment of an independent Palestinian state living side by side with Israel in peace and security, in line with the New York Declaration.

Qatar and France have reiterated their opposition to any annexation of the West Bank, and have called for an end to Israeli settlement policies and settler violence. They expressed their support for UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and the comprehensive plan put forward by His Excellency President Donald Trump of the United States of America to end the conflict in Gaza, and stressed the need for all parties to fulfil all their obligations under the relevant agreements and frameworks, including the implementation of the ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces in accordance with agreed arrangements, and the expeditious, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, without conditions or restrictions. They also expressed their support for the holding of Palestinian elections.

With regard to Lebanon, Qatar and France reaffirmed their commitment to upholding Lebanon's stability and sovereignty, which they have been doing as members of the Committee of Five. In this regard, the two countries stressed that the expiration of the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in the coming period must not lead to a security vacuum that could destabilize the country and the region as a whole. They stressed the importance of maintaining an international presence and continuing to provide support to the Lebanese authorities and armed forces, with a view to implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, on which any lasting solution should be based. The two countries reaffirmed their support for and full implementation of the Tripartite Framework Agreement by all parties, with a view to the restoration of the Lebanese authorities' sovereignty over all Lebanese territory, the disarmament of Hizbullah and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon. Qatar and France also stressed the importance of reforms, particularly economic and financial, and reaffirmed their determination to continue providing humanitarian assistance to the civilian population that has been severely damaged.

Qatar and France affirmed their continued cooperation in support of stability in Libya, Syria, Sudan, the Horn of Africa, the Great Lakes region and Yemen, in support of UN-led political processes, and efforts to establish a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

With regard to Syria, the two countries reaffirmed their readiness to work together to support projects that contribute to stability and economic recovery in Syria, in close cooperation with the Syrian authorities.

The two countries stressed the importance of strengthening strategic and equitable partnerships with African countries, contributing to the sustainable development of the African continent and cooperating in various mutually beneficial fields, in partnership with African countries.

The two parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the partnership between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) by promoting more structured cooperation.

Qatar and France reaffirmed that counter-terrorism remains a key pillar of bilateral cooperation, and stressed the importance of continuing cooperation to prevent and combat terrorism, protect their citizens, and address changing security threats that transcend national borders. They also agreed to deepen cooperation in the field of cybersecurity and countering terrorism, violent extremism and illicit financial flows, recognizing the need for a coordinated and comprehensive approach to address common security challenges.

Strengthened Defence and Security Partnership to Address Growing Challenges

The two sides agreed to enhance their defense capabilities by expanding military cooperation, including cooperation between their ground forces, marking a new chapter in the military partnership between Qatar and France. A letter of intent was signed today to select KNDS France and John Cockerill Defence to modernize Qatar's Emiri Ground Forces. The two sides aim to complete the rest of the negotiations soon.

Qatar expressed its appreciation for the deployment of air defense capabilities and its interest in continuing cooperation in this field. The Rafale aircraft, operated by the two countries, remain a key pillar of cooperation and interoperability between the air forces, and this cooperation will be further strengthened through the development of the capabilities of the Qatari Emiri Air Force to counter the growing threats. The two countries affirmed that their defense cooperation culminated in the signing of the Letter of Intent to Guarantee Defense Security and Stability in the Middle East, following the work of the Joint Supreme Military Committee between the two countries, which held its latest rounds in January 2026, which contributes to deepening joint coordination, addressing regional challenges, supporting stability, maintaining the safety and security of maritime navigation, and intensifying cooperation in the field of joint training.

Qatar and France reaffirmed the importance of their operational cooperation in the fields of security and defence. They welcomed the progress made in their cooperation over the past year, particularly through the contracts signed on radar and communications satellite systems. The two sides also expressed their desire to explore new forms of cooperation and explore ways to deepen it in the areas of planning, training and exercises related to joint military operations.

The two sides agreed to strengthen their defense capabilities separately by expanding military cooperation, including between their ground forces, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the military partnership between Qatar and France. This cooperation will include enhanced capacity building and integration between the Qatari Emiri Ground Forces and the French Army.

The two sides praised the strength of their joint cooperation in the security field, which is reflected in Doha's hosting of the Mellipole exhibition and France's participation as the guest of honor in the "Watan" exercise. Qatar and France also welcomed the strengthening of their partnership in the field of civil protection, particularly through their joint support for the Syrian Civil Defense. The two sides welcomed the signing of a renewed and expanded three-year action plan between the Ministry of Interior, Qatar's Internal Security Force and the French Ministry of Interior, which will provide a sustainable framework for this partnership in the fields of internal security and civil protection.

Expanded partnership in the fields of economy, energy, trade and investment

Qatar and France expressed their commitment to prioritise direct investments in both countries, with a focus on strategic sectors, such as energy and communication technology, digital transformation and artificial intelligence, quantum technology, defense and security, especially cybersecurity, and defense industry projects, as well as culture, transportation, urban infrastructure, real estate, tourism, education, and healthcare, with priority given to favorable investment opportunities in both countries.

The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to expand their cooperation in the area of energy security, in light of the escalation in the region. This aspect of cooperation will focus, but is not limited to, industrial cooperation, research and development and resource diversification, as well as cooperation in the areas of water management, and the continuation of the ongoing dialogue with key stakeholders in the public and private sectors in both countries. The two sides underlined the importance of the One Planet Summit and the outcomes of its meetings, and reiterated their commitment to implementing the Paris Agreement and reviewing progress made in meeting their respective commitments under the Agreement.

The two sides noted Qatar's existing investments in the French Republic in a number of sectors, including consumer goods, luxury goods, telecommunications, real estate, industry, healthcare, and financial services. Since 2025, the Qatar Investment Authority has also invested in a range of direct investments, as well as through the France Future Champions Fund, a joint fund between the Qatar Investment Authority and BPI France. All of these investments have contributed to supporting economic development, creating jobs, and fostering innovation in both countries. In this regard, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue exploring new investment opportunities in the French Republic, particularly in promising and future-oriented sectors, including quantum technologies and artificial intelligence.

Qatar and France reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in the fields of construction, transport, tourism and smart cities, and to explore additional opportunities for French companies in Qatar, including in the field of infrastructure. The two sides also stressed the important role of scientific research and higher education in promoting sustainable development and socio-economic transformation, and stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in these fields.

Cooperation in the fields of culture, education and sports

The two countries affirmed their desire to strengthen cooperation in the fields of arts, education, culture and heritage, deepen and expand partnerships between cultural and educational institutions, and support investment in creative industries in both countries. They reaffirmed their long-standing support for the Arab World Institute, and stressed its valuable contribution to cultural dialogue and mutual understanding between the member states of the League of Arab States and France.

In the fields of arts, culture and creative industries, the two sides committed to implementing the agreements concluded in 2025 and welcomed the fruitful progress made in the fields of cinema, museums, arts and crafts and libraries. The two sides will work to strengthen links between linguistic, educational, academic and research institutions, enhance cooperation in the fields of sports and youth engagement, and facilitate tourism between the two countries through coordinated initiatives to promote and attract visitors.

Joint action centred on humanitarian and sustainable development challenges

HH The Amir of the State of Qatar and HE the French President stressed the strength of their long-standing partnership, and highlighted the importance of joint coordination in addressing regional and global issues that require collective action, in order to contribute to achieving international peace and stability.

The two sides stressed that what distinguishes the partnership between Qatar and France is its ability to go beyond the scope of bilateral relations and contribute to serving common issues globally, through France and Qatar working side by side in other countries and regions.

This trend is reflected in the close consultation between the two countries on major international crises, and in the humanitarian and sustainable development partnership that Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), the French Development Agency Group (AFD) and the Crisis and Support Centre have worked patiently and persistently to build over the years in support of populations in need in developing countries. This cooperation is increasingly evident in military support, economic projects and cultural work. This cooperation is also increasingly geared towards supporting issues of global pub

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