The Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, begins a two-day state visit to France this Tuesday, February 27. A first in fifteen years, which is justified by the highly conflictual context in which the Middle East has been plunged since the Hamas attack on October 7. And for good reason, from the start of hostilities, Qatar established itself as a key player in the discussions and negotiations for a ceasefire. And thus constitutes a “central partner in the region’s stabilization efforts”, underlines the Elysée.
On the menu for this first state visit to Paris since his accession to the throne in 2013, an international component and an economic component: the management and outcome of the conflict raging in the Middle East, and the strengthening of economic ties between Paris and Doha. Thus, the first day of Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani in Paris will be devoted to geopolitical issues, and the second will be more focused on economic and commercial relations between the two countries.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, at the heart of priorities
Expected at 4 p.m. at the Elysée Palace, the Emir of Qatar will meet this afternoon with the President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron. In particular, it will be a question of relaunching the process for the creation of a Palestinian state, and the release of hostages in Gaza. Absolute “priority” of France, three nationals of which are still being held by the terrorist group.
For several months, France and Qatar have been working hand in hand to deliver humanitarian aid. “In the days to come”, ten ambulances and more than 300 tents should arrive in Rafah, the only entry point for humanitarian aid which arrives in dribs and drabs and under the threat of imminent intervention by the Israeli army. A decision that worries the international community. Alongside other countries, France urged Israel to desist from launching its offensive.
Dinner with Kylian Mbappé and economic forum
To end this first day, a summit dinner is planned at the Château. According to information from our colleagues at Parisian, the captain of the French football team and star striker PSG Kylian Mbappé, as well as the president of the Parisian club, businessman Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, are expected to be among the guests of honor. This member of the emir’s inner circle should attend certain meetings planned between the President of the Republic and the Qatari delegation, according to RMC Sport.
Wednesday, time for economic topics. The day after the signing of a few contracts, Prime Ministers Gabriel Attal and Mohammed ben Abderrahmane Al-Thani will jointly chair an “Economic Forum” on joint investment opportunities in a selection of industrial sectors. Among which: artificial intelligence, decarbonization, semiconductors, biotechnologies and even health.
During this trip, culture will also be in the spotlight. According to information from our colleagues at AFP, Paris and Doha are about to relaunch their cultural cooperation. Arriving at Rue Valois at the beginning of January, Rachida Dati is expected to travel to Qatar in the coming weeks.