Following his visits to Kuwait and UAE, French President Emmanuel Macron held official talks with HH the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tami bin Hamad Al Thani (Pic) at Lusail Palace on Tuesday evening.
During the session, bilateral relations and the strategic partnership between the two countries were reviewed, as well as ways to strengthen and develop them at various levels, especially economic, investment, security, and defense.
HH the Amir voiced his confidence that the partnership, which is built upon mutual respect and shared values, will continue to flourish to serve the interests of both nations and their peoples, while contributing to international stability, security, and peace.
The French President expressed his gratitude to HH the Amir, praising the partnership and the alignment of visions between the two countries. He highlighted the ongoing cooperation and noted that the frequent high-level exchanges reflect a dynamic and active coordination between the two nations.
The French President also lauded the economic partnership and mutual investments, especially in the fields of technology, energy, and industry and affirmed a commitment to continue working within the “One Planet” Sovereign Wealth Funds initiative to support investment in the sectors of the future, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported.
Meanwhile, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain also held official talks with the President of the French Republic in Manama on Tuesday.
The two leaders reviewed the longstanding relations between Bahrain and France and discussed means to further strengthen their strategic cooperation, particularly in investment, economic and political affairs, defense, sustainable development and advanced technology, in support of the shared interests and objectives of both countries.
They also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest, particularly the situation in the Middle East and ongoing efforts to address regional challenges, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.
HM the King delivered an address welcoming HE President Macron and the accompanying delegation to the Kingdom. He expressed pride in the significant development of bilateral relations, highlighting the defense cooperation agreement signed during His Majesty’s visit to France last February.
His Majesty said the agreement represented an important step towards expanding cooperation in security, energy and technology, while strengthening trade, scientific and cultural exchanges. His Majesty added that the agreement also supports opportunities for large-scale joint projects with France in energy, industry and transport, including the railway project that will connect Bahrain to other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries through new bridges.
HE President Macron also delivered an address in which he reaffirmed France’s solidarity with Bahrain in addressing current challenges and its commitment to continued cooperation and coordination to strengthen security and stability and protect both countries and their citizens.
The French President further emphasized the importance of strengthening defense and security cooperation and expanding the partnership in developing defense capabilities and military industries to serve the shared interests of both countries.
Following the talks, HM the King conferred the Collar of the Order of Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa - Exceptional Class on HE President Macron in recognition of his contributions to strengthening the historical relations between Bahrain and France.
Lastly, HM the King and HE President Macron witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs on cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
During his tour, Macron has secured the delivery of an additional 200,000 tons of diesel per month from the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain during a tour of the Gulf, the French Presidency said on Tuesday. He obtained commitments for around 100,000 tons per month from the Emirates, while an additional 100,000 tons monthly will be secured during the stop in Bahrain, the Elysée Palace said.
Kuwait has also given “very clear commitments” to deliver diesel and kerosene to the French overseas territories of Mayotte and Reunion in the Indian Ocean, the French Presidency said. The shipments will be sent via Oman, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, it added.
With the addition of deliveries from Saudi Arabia, France has commitments for 295,000 tons per month, representing just over 10 percent of its consumption, the Presidency added. (QNA; BNA; Elysée Palace; AFP; Photo © QNA)
