Minister of Transport H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani; Director of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs H E Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Fakhroo and Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of France in Qatar, Patrick Poinsot cutting the ceremonial cake to mark French National Day.
Doha: The French Embassy in Doha celebrated their National Day yesterday highlighting recent developments and the continued strengthening of bilateral ties between Qatar and France.
Members of the diplomatic corps, Qatari dignitaries and French community in Qatar were in presence during the celebration at the Ritz-Carlton Doha.
Minister of Transport H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani and Director of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs H E Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Fakhroo were among the special guests.
Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of France in Qatar, Patrick Poinsot, emphasised the strength and breadth of cooperation between Qatar and France in politics, trade, investment, defence, culture, education, and beyond.
“On the economic level, we have seen cross-investments in key sectors such as energy transition, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and health,” Poinsot said.
“This is complemented by the outstanding commitment of the around 200 French companies operating in Qatar, which are leaders in their respective sectors.”
Poinsot praised Qatar’s contribution to the security of the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“The challenge of securing the Games was met thanks, in particular, to the reinforcement of foreign security forces. Qatar was present with more than 100 officers, ranking as the fourth largest contributor. We thank you for that.”
In the realm of culture, Poinsot lauded the successful visit of the French Minister of Culture to Qatar in April, which led to the signing of seven cultural and museum cooperation agreements.
“A few days ago, Paris and Qatar took part in the Permanent Council of La Francophonie. I also recall the commitment of our Qatari friends throughout the French-speaking world and in favour of the French language, which is increasingly being taught in Qatari schools.”
Poinsot further acknowledged Qatar’s diplomatic contributions, particularly its humanitarian mediation efforts.
“France praises Qatar’s role in the ceasefire between Iran and Israel. This is also the case in Ukraine—I commend Qatar’s participation in the Peace Summit held on June 15. I welcome the Qatari mediation that allowed the return to their families of dozens of children.”
Referring about Gaza, he said, “We are working, like Qatar, to ensure unconditional access to humanitarian aid, the release of hostages, a permanent ceasefire, and a decisive step toward a two-state political solution,” he added.
“This remains the case in Lebanon, a country that is dear to both France and Qatar. In Syria, France and Qatar have been consistent in their solidarity with the Syrian people since 2011, supporting reconstruction, security, the fight against impunity, and an inclusive political transition.”
He also highlighted the growth of the French community in Qatar, which now numbers around 6,000 residents.
“The Embassy strives to offer them the highest quality of services in all areas, including security, in close cooperation with Qatari authorities.”
The event included a ceremonial cutting of a cake to mark National Day also known as the Bastille Day—celebrated every year on July 14 to commemorate the storming of the Bastille in 1789, a key moment in the French Revolution, and the Fête de la Fédération in 1790, symbolising national unity.
