An event held in Doha to mark the French National Day highlighted the deep-rooted relations between Qatar and France and efforts to continuously expand co-operation in various fields.
It was attended by HE the Minister of Social Development and Family Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad, Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Protocol chief ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro, French ambassador to Qatar Jean-Baptiste Faivre, envoys from different embassies in Doha and other dignitaries.
In his speech on the occasion, the French ambassador said: "One year after taking office, I am pleased and honoured to celebrate for the first time the 14th of July in Doha. I am especially honoured because we are also commemorating the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between France and Qatar.
"The relationship between France and Qatar is an old and good one, but good is not enough. It must be exceptional. I believe that great work has been done this year to strengthen the relationship."
Faivre said he came to Qatar with a clear mandate from the French president to "bring our relationship to the highest possible level. For the past year, I have had the pleasure of working with the entire French team based in Qatar as well as with our Qatari partners, to fostering this relationship."
He continued, "Over the course of this year, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and the president of the French Republic have met three times - in Baghdad in August, in Doha in December, and in Paris at the end of May."
He said the Strategic Dialogue between the two countries, held at the end of March, set an ambitious roadmap, highlighting the meetings and visits involving ministers of the two countries.
"We also want to continue doing a great deal at the cultural level, like the outstanding Dior exhibition, and the museums. Co-operation is also underway at the level of higher education in the wake of the great success of HEC Qatar," he added.
"I am pleased that the French presidency of the European Union has made it possible to make progress towards a future visa waiver for the citizens of Qatar," Faivre said. "These developments mirror the renewed vitality of our partnership."
Doha has been the pivot of an exceptional co-operation with the international community on Afghanistan, he said. "Thanks to the outstanding support of the authorities of the State of Qatar and Qatar Airways, which I would like to thank once again, we have been able to allow the departure of more than 600 people, French and Afghan, and conduct a major humanitarian operation together.
"Qatar is a partner in Afghanistan, as well as in Lebanon, where we are working hand in hand to help this friendly country."
He also lauded the "extraordinary aid" that HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs announced from Beirut a few days ago.
"Qatar is also our partner in Ukraine, France and Qatar are two powers that work for stability are committed to respecting laws and conflict resolution," the envoy continued. "We have also conducted a productive dialogue on the energy consequences of the crisis and I am proud of the trust placed by the Qatari authorities in the know-how of the French companies, to develop their capacities and support Qatar National Vision 2030.
"More than 120 French companies are present in Qatar and operate in major sectors. France ranks first in Europe in terms of international investments and offers great opportunities for Qatari investors.
"Tomorrow, of course, it will be the World Cup and France will be at Qatar’s side to ensure success of this unprecedented event in the region. In terms of sports, we hope that the French team will be successful. In terms of security, France has always been present since the Asian Games in 2006."
The ambassador said France will also help implement the co-operation agreement that it has with Qatar and the International Labor Organisation.
He highlighted the work done by representatives of French expatriates, the Maison de France and all of its components, including Doha Accueil, and other associations that work on a daily basis for the well-being of the French and Francophone community in Qatar.
"I am also thinking of the two French schools, Bonaparte and Voltaire, and all of their teams, who play an essential role in our relationship and outreach. I am also thinking of our companies that have been able to forge bonds of trust in Qatar, some of them for almost 80 years."
It was attended by HE the Minister of Social Development and Family Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad, Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Protocol chief ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro, French ambassador to Qatar Jean-Baptiste Faivre, envoys from different embassies in Doha and other dignitaries.
In his speech on the occasion, the French ambassador said: "One year after taking office, I am pleased and honoured to celebrate for the first time the 14th of July in Doha. I am especially honoured because we are also commemorating the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between France and Qatar.
"The relationship between France and Qatar is an old and good one, but good is not enough. It must be exceptional. I believe that great work has been done this year to strengthen the relationship."
Faivre said he came to Qatar with a clear mandate from the French president to "bring our relationship to the highest possible level. For the past year, I have had the pleasure of working with the entire French team based in Qatar as well as with our Qatari partners, to fostering this relationship."
He continued, "Over the course of this year, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and the president of the French Republic have met three times - in Baghdad in August, in Doha in December, and in Paris at the end of May."
He said the Strategic Dialogue between the two countries, held at the end of March, set an ambitious roadmap, highlighting the meetings and visits involving ministers of the two countries.
"We also want to continue doing a great deal at the cultural level, like the outstanding Dior exhibition, and the museums. Co-operation is also underway at the level of higher education in the wake of the great success of HEC Qatar," he added.
"I am pleased that the French presidency of the European Union has made it possible to make progress towards a future visa waiver for the citizens of Qatar," Faivre said. "These developments mirror the renewed vitality of our partnership."
Doha has been the pivot of an exceptional co-operation with the international community on Afghanistan, he said. "Thanks to the outstanding support of the authorities of the State of Qatar and Qatar Airways, which I would like to thank once again, we have been able to allow the departure of more than 600 people, French and Afghan, and conduct a major humanitarian operation together.
"Qatar is a partner in Afghanistan, as well as in Lebanon, where we are working hand in hand to help this friendly country."
He also lauded the "extraordinary aid" that HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs announced from Beirut a few days ago.
"Qatar is also our partner in Ukraine, France and Qatar are two powers that work for stability are committed to respecting laws and conflict resolution," the envoy continued. "We have also conducted a productive dialogue on the energy consequences of the crisis and I am proud of the trust placed by the Qatari authorities in the know-how of the French companies, to develop their capacities and support Qatar National Vision 2030.
"More than 120 French companies are present in Qatar and operate in major sectors. France ranks first in Europe in terms of international investments and offers great opportunities for Qatari investors.
"Tomorrow, of course, it will be the World Cup and France will be at Qatar’s side to ensure success of this unprecedented event in the region. In terms of sports, we hope that the French team will be successful. In terms of security, France has always been present since the Asian Games in 2006."
The ambassador said France will also help implement the co-operation agreement that it has with Qatar and the International Labor Organisation.
He highlighted the work done by representatives of French expatriates, the Maison de France and all of its components, including Doha Accueil, and other associations that work on a daily basis for the well-being of the French and Francophone community in Qatar.
"I am also thinking of the two French schools, Bonaparte and Voltaire, and all of their teams, who play an essential role in our relationship and outreach. I am also thinking of our companies that have been able to forge bonds of trust in Qatar, some of them for almost 80 years."
