Qatar’s Minister of the Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani received the French National Legion of Honour with the rank of Commandeur at the headquarters of the French Ministry of the Interior in Paris.

The awarding of the medal, which is considered one of the highest national honours awarded by France, comes in recognition of the Minister’s efforts in strengthening relations in the security field between Qatar and France, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported.

In another development, and within the framework of the state visit of the Amir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to France, both countries signed on Wednesday a declaration of intent on bilateral cooperation in combating terrorism, financing of terrorism and extremism.

Upon his arrival at the Invalides Palace in Paris on Tuesday, the Amir of Qatar was accorded an official reception ceremony. Minister of the Armed Forces of France Sebastien Lecornu led well-wishers to welcome HH the Amir.

The reception ceremony started with the Qatari and French national anthems before HH the Amir reviewed the Guard of Honour, consisting of the land forces, air forces and national Gendarmerie. HH the Amir then shook hands with members of the French official delegation and senior officials.

During his visit to France, the Amir of Qatar met with French President Emmanuel Macron. He also met the President of the Senate of France Gérard Larcher as well as the President of the National Assembly of France Yael Braun-Pivet.

During the meetings, they discussed relations between the two countries and ways to develop them, in addition to a number of topics of mutual interest.