Qatar and France held the fourth session of their Strategic Dialogue in Doha on October 21, 2026, aiming to deepen their bilateral partnership across multiple sectors including political, diplomatic, economic, defence, security, educational, cultural, and humanitarian fields. The dialogue was co-chaired by Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani and France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot. It took place during a state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to Qatar from October 20 to 21, underscoring the longstanding and evolving cooperation between the two countries.
Discussions reviewed progress since the third dialogue held in June 2025 and reaffirmed commitments to enhancing collaboration in defence, energy, digital transformation, and innovation, particularly in sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and cybersecurity. The two nations signed agreements to expand military cooperation, including modernizing the Qatar Amiri Land Forces with support from French companies KNDS France and John Cockerill Defence, and strengthening air force interoperability, notably through the Rafale fighter aircraft. Both sides also emphasized cooperation in homeland security, civil protection, and counterterrorism efforts, underscoring the importance of joint training, intelligence sharing, and coordinated responses to evolving security threats.
The dialogue addressed ongoing regional and international developments, including the Palestinian issue, the situation in Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, and the Horn of Africa, as well as tensions related to Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. France and Qatar expressed support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, advocating for an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel in line with the New York Declaration. They opposed any annexation of the West Bank, condemned Israeli settlement expansion and settler violence, and endorsed United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 and the humanitarian framework proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump to resolve the Gaza conflict. The two countries also stressed the need for the safe and unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and supported the holding of Palestinian elections.
Regarding Lebanon, both countries highlighted the necessity of maintaining stability and sovereignty amid the upcoming end of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate, warning against a security vacuum. They reaffirmed support for the Trilateral Framework Agreement aimed at restoring Lebanese authority over its territory, disarming Hezbollah, and ensuring Israeli troop withdrawal. Economic and political reforms in Lebanon were also emphasized, alongside ongoing humanitarian aid.
Qatar and France reiterated their joint support for stability and political processes in Libya, Syria, Sudan, the Horn of Africa, Yemen, and Ukraine. In Syria, they expressed willingness to collaborate on projects for economic recovery, recognizing the importance of working with Syrian authorities. Both nations noted the importance of reinforcing partnerships with African countries to promote sustainable development and highlighted their intention to strengthen ties between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
On the economic front, Qatar and France committed to increasing investments in each other’s countries, focusing on sectors such as energy, digital technologies, culture, infrastructure, and healthcare. They acknowledged existing Qatari investments in France and the joint management of the French Future Champions Fund. Both countries highlighted the importance of implementing the Paris Agreement and advancing sustainability, referencing the One Planet Summit hosted by the Qatar Investment Authority.
Cultural and educational exchanges remain a priority, with plans to enhance cooperation in arts, academic research, sports, tourism, and youth engagement. Both sides reaffirmed their support for institutions like the Institut du Monde Arabe and pledged to expand partnerships within creative industries.
The two governments also emphasized their shared commitment to addressing global humanitarian and development challenges. This includes coordination through the Qatar Fund for Development and French agencies, focusing on aid to vulnerable populations and aligning efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals. The dialogue reflects the broader ambition of both Doha and Paris to leverage their partnership not only for bilateral benefit but also to contribute to broader regional security, stability, and cooperative international engagement.