His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, hosted French President Emmanuel Macron for an official visit at Lusail Palace on Tuesday evening. This marked the first state visit by a French president to Qatar, underscoring the deepening bilateral ties and strategic partnership between the two countries.
Upon arrival, President Macron was welcomed with a formal reception ceremony, which included a 21-gun salute, traditional Qatari ‘Ardha’ dance performances, and displays by horse- and camel-mounted guards. The national anthems of both countries were played before officials exchanged introductions with their respective delegations.
During their discussions, the two leaders reviewed the strong cooperation and friendly relations shared by Qatar and France, as well as recent regional developments. Both sides emphasized their commitment to strengthening and expanding their partnership across multiple sectors, notably in economic cooperation, investment, security, and defense.
President Macron expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to him and highlighted the alignment of visions between the two nations. He praised the ongoing high-level exchanges, calling them a sign of dynamic coordination. The French leader also noted the significance of mutual investments, particularly in technology, energy, and industrial development, reaffirming support for the “One Planet” Sovereign Wealth Funds initiative aimed at investing in future-oriented sectors.
His Highness the Amir welcomed the French delegation and reflected on the visit's historic nature, framing it as a reflection of the robust strategic partnership. He expressed his desire to further enhance bilateral cooperation to meet the aspirations and interests of both countries’ people.
The meeting was attended by senior Qatari officials, including Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, HE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani; Chief of the Amiri Diwan, HE Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khulaifi; as well as a number of ministers and senior dignitaries. The French delegation included Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans, HE Catherine Vautrin; Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, HE Jean-Noel Barrot; and Minister Delegate attached to the Minister for the Armed Forces and Veterans, HE Alice Ruffo, along with other senior officials.
Additional attendees from the Qatari side included HH Consort of the Amir, Sheikha Jowaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani; Personal Representative of the Amir HH Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani; HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani; HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani; HE Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa Al Thani; Speaker of the Shura Council, HE Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim; and numerous government officials and business leaders.
Both leaders expressed optimism that the partnership, grounded in mutual respect and shared values, will continue to grow and contribute to regional stability, security, and peace.