Doha: HE Ambassador of the French Republic to the State of Qatar Arnaud Pescheux emphasized that Qatar National Day (QND) is a significant occasion to celebrate the nation's identity and the spirit of unity among its people. He noted that the event reflects the journey of a nation that has achieved notable accomplishments in various fields.
According to Qatar News Agency, His Excellency highlighted Qatar's important role in global dialogue and mediation, with Doha emerging as a world capital of international diplomacy due to its active foreign policy and peace initiatives. He pointed out Qatar's efforts in addressing crises in regions such as Ukraine, Afghanistan, Sudan, and especially Gaza.
France and Qatar share a strong commitment to peace, acting as balancing powers dedicated to respecting international law and maintaining the international order in every crisis. The ambassador also remarked on Qatar's ongoing renaissance across different sectors, driven by the long-term goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Discussing the trajectory of bilateral relations, he mentioned the historically-rooted ties between France and Qatar across diplomacy, economy, defense and security, culture, and sport. The strategic partnership has significantly developed in recent years, particularly following HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's visit in February 2024.
The ambassador noted that Qatar hosts over 6,000 French citizens who share a deep sense of belonging, emphasizing the mutual respect and cooperation between the two peoples. He further explained that the French-Qatari partnership is based on shared economic ambitions, serving key sectors such as energy transition, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and healthcare, aligned with both Qatar's National Vision 2030 and the French National Plan 2030.
In conclusion, HE Ambassador Arnaud Pescheux stated that the French-Qatari ties could be encapsulated in three words: strategic partnership, trust, and friendship, and expressed his commitment to further strengthening these ties in the future.