Inaugural Strategic Dialogue between the State of Qatar and the Republic of France (28 Mar. 2022)

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, and Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian, led the Inaugural Qatar-France Strategic Dialogue on March 28, 2022, in Doha, Qatar.

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties the State of Qatar and the Republic of France reaffirmed their mutual commitment to bolster friendly relations.

In that spirit, Qatar and France agreed to strengthen their partnership outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding related to the establishment of a Strategic Dialogue signed in February 2019. Both countries expressed their determination to develop the full potential of their relationship by deepening cooperation in all fields.

the State of Qatar and France signed the following documents:

• A MoU between Université Bretagne Sud and Qatar foundation on the implementation of a double master’s degree in Cyber Security.
• A MoU between Business France and Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) Qatar
• A letter of intent between France, Qatar and the International Labour Organization (ILO)

A testament to a close strategic partnership, the meeting reviewed bilateral relations, regional and international matters, defence and security, trade, investment, economy and energy, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, education, culture and scientific research, climate change and environment.

Qatar and France expressed their commitment to consolidate strategic cooperation to meet the challenge of regional and global developments. The spread of security, health, and climate crises, at the regional and international levels, leads Qatar and France to hold an in-depth dialogue based on trust on all key issues. This includes regional crises and global issues, such as Ukraine and energy security, developments in Afghanistan, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Iran, Libya, Lebanon, and the ongoing Chad peace talks.

Regarding humanitarian and development cooperation, both parties agreed to strengthen the dialogue between their respective implementing agencies, including through joint projects in support of the Lebanese population.
In the field of energy, France and Qatar also discussed the issue of gas supply and measures needed to strengthen Europe’s energy security.. Both countries agreed to maintain a regular dialogue on this issues
Qatar and France highlighted the importance of defence and security cooperation as a key area of their partnership. Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022, hosted by Qatar, the two countries reviewed cooperation projects and implementation. They also discussed ways to build on existing links and develop activity on common strategic interests. The two countries agreed to continue strategic coordination in the fight against terrorism, the prevention of radicalization, illicit financial flows, transnational threats, and cybersecurity.

Qatar and France reviewed bilateral relations on trade and investment, as well as ways to develop and enhance them.

Following the signing in December 2021 of the cooperation agreement between the Ministers of Finance of the two countries in the fields of public-private partnerships and green finance Qatar and France have held their first workshops.
The discussions highlighted areas of cooperation for the coming year in areas of food security, maritime transportation, waste management and energy. Both governments outlined ways to bolster mutual investments, especially in innovation and the green financing.

Cultural ties between Qatar and France were discussed as potential areas of enhanced cooperation, increasing heritage protection and preservation, mutual understanding, tourism and promoting access to arts. The parties provided impetus to their relations and cultural exchanges through the conclusion of agreements, especially of museum project. Both countries reiterated their willingness to hold the second round of the French-Qatari Joint Committee on Cultural Cooperation chaired by the Ministers of Culture later in 2022.
In addition, Qatar and France expressed their keenness to bolster cooperation in the fields of education and higher education. Both countries discussed the important role of the French-Qatari high school Voltaire plays in the educational sector. Qatar and France expressed their wish to strengthen the sharing of expertise between medical communities in both countries, including by renewing the intergovernmental agreement on the training of Qatari medical specialists in France. Lastly, both countries reaffirmed a joint interest for the development of cooperation in support of the development of vocational training in Qatar.
Regarding major sporting events, Qatar and France will soon be hosting major competitions such as the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Doha and the Rugby World Cup 2023, and the summer Olympic and Paralympic Games 2024 in Paris. France hailed Qatar’s organization of the FIFA World Cup 2022 and welcomed the opportunity that cooperation has offered for it to engage in knowledge exchange. French assistance was overviewed, especially in relation to major event security, particularly in relation to cyber-security, aviation, and drone threats.
This Strategic Dialogue process underlines the commitment of the State of Qatar and the Republic of France to increase cooperation in fields of the greatest mutual benefit.

In the coming year, Qatar and France shall mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The two nations remain committed to expand partnerships and ensure the monitoring of progress and joint initiatives between them. They agreed to hold the first Policy Working Group in Q3 of 2022, to expand partnerships and ensure the monitoring of progress and joint initiatives
Qatar and France look forward to the second Strategic Dialogue to be held in Paris in 2023.