Paris: HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, and HE Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, Jean-Noel Barrot, co-chaired the third annual Qatar-France Strategic Dialogue in Paris on June 12, 2025. Qatar and France welcomed the holding of their third Annual Strategic Dialogue and reviewed the important progress made since the state visit of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to France in February 2024, which resulted in new cooperation initiatives within the fields of security, defense, economy, trade, investment, and education.
According to Qatar News Agency, both countries affirmed the strength of their bilateral relationship and pledged to further develop it by expanding their strategic partnership on key issues. The ministers reiterated their commitment to upholding international law and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.
In addressing the Palestine-Israel conflict, the officials called for a ceasefire and a long-term political solution, expressing appreciation for Qatar’s mediation efforts. They emphasized the need for full humanitarian access to Gaza and condemned any plans for forced displacement or prolonged Israeli presence in the region.
Discussions on Syria focused on the ongoing transition process, with both sides supporting reconstruction efforts and emphasizing stability and security. They welcomed the lifting of international sanctions on Syria and encouraged foreign investments to aid the country’s recovery.
Qatar and France also addressed the situation in Lebanon, supporting the country’s political and economic reforms and calling for the withdrawal of Israeli forces. They expressed support for Lebanon’s territorial integrity and the Lebanese Armed Forces’ efforts to maintain security.
Regarding Iran, both ministers advocated for a diplomatic solution to address nuclear concerns, supporting ongoing talks between Iran and the United States. They urged Iran to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
In the Great Lakes region, the ministers commended Qatar’s mediation between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, emphasizing the importance of reaching a ceasefire. They also discussed the conflict in Sudan, urging an immediate cessation of hostilities and humanitarian access.
The economic partnership between Qatar and France was highlighted, with bilateral trade exceeding 1.3 billion euros in 2024. Qatar’s commitment to investing 10 billion euros in the French economy was praised, with a focus on sectors such as food security, digital economy, and energy transition.
Defense and security cooperation remains a cornerstone of the partnership, with joint military exercises and projects in defense industries. Both countries emphasized their shared interests in cybersecurity and counterterrorism efforts.
Humanitarian and development cooperation saw the renewal of bilateral agreements between the Qatar Fund for Development and the French Development Agency, focusing on projects in Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria. The ministers highlighted joint relief efforts in Gaza and Lebanon.
Education, health, and sports cooperation was celebrated, with partnerships between Qatari and French institutions in higher education and research. The ministers expressed a desire to strengthen medical community exchanges and praised France’s hosting of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Cultural ties between the two nations were reinforced through recent partnership agreements in the arts and heritage sectors. Both governments committed to protecting cultural heritage, particularly in conflict areas, in alignment with UNESCO agreements.
Qatar and France look forward to reviewing progress at the fourth Strategic Dialogue scheduled for 2026 in Doha, emphasizing their shared commitment to a responsible future.