Amir praises French leader’s position on Gulf crisis

Paris:  HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani underscored the importance of the strong friendly relations between the State of Qatar and the French Republic, expressing his pride in the relationship between the two countries.

In a joint press conference with HE French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace today, HH the Amir said that his meeting with President Macron tackled a number of regional issues, especially Syria and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

His Highness expressed thanks and appreciation for the position of the French President on the Gulf crisis, his support for the State of Qatar and his affirmation that the only solution to the crisis is through dialogue between all parties.

In response to a question about his view of the allegations that promote linking the State of Qatar to terrorism, His Highness said that plenty of the information and reports being exchanged against Qatar are not true, calling everyone to see what the State of Qatar is doing on the ground for world peace as well as for the region, and praising, at the same time, the French people’s recognition of the State of Qatar’s deeds in France and for the Franco-Qatari friendship.

Asked about Qatar’s purchase of the Russian missile defense system (S-400), His Highness said there had been talks, but so far no agreement had been reached on the matter.

At the beginning of the press conference, HE the French President expressed his pleasure at receiving HH the Amir at the Elysee Palace as part of his important official visit to France.

President Macron described the French-Qatari relations as solid and strategic, adding that Qatar is a reliable partner and a friendly country with an ambition and a vision for the future, which brings the two countries closer to each other, referring to HH the Amir’s visit on Thursday to the Mont-de-Marsan Air Base.

HE French President added that France and Qatar are working together firmly against terrorism, especially in North Africa and the Middle East. He added that the meeting with HH the Amir discussed combating the financing of terrorism and extremism, pointing to the continuation of previous discussions between the two countries, especially during the visit of hi to Qatar in December and the signing of the Declaration of Intent in the field of combating terrorism and its financing. He also pointed to Qatar’s participation in the conference on combating the financing of terrorism, which was held in Paris last April, praising Qatar’s concrete efforts in this field. President Macron expressed looking forward to continued strong cooperation between the two countries, especially within the framework of the strategic dialogue which will be conducted under the supervision of the foreign ministers of the two countries.

Furthermore, President Macron reiterated France’s support for the Kuwaiti mediation to resolve the Gulf crisis, pointing to the daily suffering of the people of Qatar because of the actions taken against them, especially with regard to the separation of families. He stressed the need to resolve the crisis through dialogue in order to stabilize the region which is experiencing many tensions, affirming France’s continued dialogue with all parties for reconciliation. He further expressed his country’s readiness to make an initiative if asked to do so and considered it useful.

HE President Macron said that the meeting discussed several regional files including Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Iran, the peace process in the region and Libya, pointing out that the Libyan file is a priority for France, stressing the promotion of cooperation between France and Qatar for stability in Libya.

The French President also spoke of a common will to strengthen bilateral relations in various fields, especially economy, culture, higher education, sports and other fields. He pointed to the common will to develop sports cooperation against the backdrop of Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 World Cup and the France’s hosting of the Olympic Games in 2024, praising the sports cooperation between France and Qatar in this field.