The French President, Emmanuel Macron, during his recent trip to Doha, ensured the supply of winter gas for France and strengthened defense cooperation between the two countries. Arnaud Machelon, the French Ambassador to Qatar, described this trip as "a journey of friendship, appreciation, and solidarity" as well as a trip with "high ideals."
Supply of Liquefied Gas and Defense Cooperation
Ambassador Machelon announced at a working breakfast at the French residence in Doha that Qatar will supply France with two terawatt-hours of liquefied gas per month for the winter. Additionally, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and President Macron discussed the provision of ships, insurance mechanisms to reduce transportation costs, and land and rail routes to replace the Strait of Hormuz. The French Ambassador emphasized that his country's proposal to form a defense coalition to ensure navigation security in the Strait of Hormuz "remains valid."
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Discussions on Iran and New Technologies
Regarding Iran, the French Ambassador stated that the two leaders have a similar political assessment. He referred to Tehran's nuclear activities, ballistic missile program, and support for regional forces, saying: "There is no military solution, and there never will be." Furthermore, the two leaders had an in-depth discussion about U.S.-Iran negotiations, describing Qatar as a mediating power and France as a balancing power.
In the defense sector, Ambassador Machelon announced that both parties will work on modernizing the Rafale fleet and signed a letter of intent to select KNDS and JCD for the 8×8 land forces program. Discussions on air-ground capabilities in the field of detection and tracking have also begun.
The French President's trip also included investment in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing under a strategic investment partnership initiated in 2024. This trip also referred to the expansion of French language education in Qatari schools and closer communications between universities, including HEC and Sorbonne.
Ambassador Machelon referred to the official welcome of President Macron, during which Qatari Air Force fighter jets accompanied him into Qatari airspace, and Doha was adorned in the colors of France. He called Qatar "a choice of heart and mind, and a choice for the future."
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