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Ailyn Agonia
DOHA
THE next session within the framework of the newly-launched strategic dialogue between Qatar and France is likely to take place in France in the autumn, Ambassador of France to Qatar HE Franck Gellet has said.
The signing of the agreement to establish the strategic dialogue was held in Doha in February and it covers a wide range of areas including defence, health, education, culture and sports among others.
“The strategic dialogue is very important because Qatar and France have agreed that twice a year we would meet at that high level once and at the level of deputy ministers for the second time in the year to agree on a road map for the coming year as well as how it would be implemented. We have held two sessions already that were quite intense,” the envoy told the local media recently.
“We felt that the relations of Qatar and France have come to such a good level that we need to have something more systematic and so far it is working well. It is just the beginning. Now, it is our turn to welcome the Qataris in Paris,” the official added.
Gellet has also confirmed future plans for high-level exchange of visits between Qatar and France.
Talking about the dynamism of Qatar-France bilateral relations, Ambassador Gellet cited the timely deliveries of the French-built Rafale multi-purpose jet fighter to Qatar. The first Rafale jet was received by the Qatar Amiri Air Force in February and was followed by deliveries of other planes in June. The envoy said a total of 10 Rafale jets have already arrived in the country out of the 24 jets to be delivered by France. He said the 24th plane is expected to be in Doha by the middle of January, 2020.
In the field of higher education, Gellet expressed his keenness to encourage more young French students to come to Qatar. He said both Qatar University and Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) have shown interest in this regard.
“There is an interest and I am pushing for that as well for the French students to come to HEC in Doha. We are in a fast-growing region economically and specifically in Qatar. I firmly recommend young French students to come and understand this region. Qatar in particular has the capacity to keep its own identity and at the same time be fully in the globalised world which is exceptional. This plan is still in discussion but we would like the French students to come to Doha the soonest possible,” he said.
The official also mentioned plans for exchange programmes between Qatari and French universities.
Commenting on the preparations for Qatar-France Year of Culture in 2020, Gellet described the event to be a very important one that would aim to draw people’s attention to other aspects of France apart from culture, such as its sports, gastronomy, innovation in economy and industries.
While important details of the cultural programme will be revealed later, the envoy mentioned that a big exhibition involving major French artists is in the lineup as well as cultural events to be hosted by Qatar Embassy in France simultaneously.
Ambassador Gellet also reiterated the commitment of his country to supporting Qatar in the field of cyber security, noting the ongoing cooperation between a French university in Western France and Qatar University in this regard.
Similarly, he underscored the support of France in ensuring the success of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Doha by sharing their experience in hosting major sporting events. According to the envoy, in the recently concluded FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, a delegation from Qatari police, Lekhwiya and Civil Defence was present to observe the dynamics of the event.
On regional issues, Gellet has said that France is ready and on alert to help, whenever requested, in the efforts to resolve the Gulf Crisis. He also highlighted France’s capability to talk to all players to help decrease the tensions concerning Iran.
DOHA
THE next session within the framework of the newly-launched strategic dialogue between Qatar and France is likely to take place in France in the autumn, Ambassador of France to Qatar HE Franck Gellet has said.
The signing of the agreement to establish the strategic dialogue was held in Doha in February and it covers a wide range of areas including defence, health, education, culture and sports among others.
“The strategic dialogue is very important because Qatar and France have agreed that twice a year we would meet at that high level once and at the level of deputy ministers for the second time in the year to agree on a road map for the coming year as well as how it would be implemented. We have held two sessions already that were quite intense,” the envoy told the local media recently.
“We felt that the relations of Qatar and France have come to such a good level that we need to have something more systematic and so far it is working well. It is just the beginning. Now, it is our turn to welcome the Qataris in Paris,” the official added.
Gellet has also confirmed future plans for high-level exchange of visits between Qatar and France.
Talking about the dynamism of Qatar-France bilateral relations, Ambassador Gellet cited the timely deliveries of the French-built Rafale multi-purpose jet fighter to Qatar. The first Rafale jet was received by the Qatar Amiri Air Force in February and was followed by deliveries of other planes in June. The envoy said a total of 10 Rafale jets have already arrived in the country out of the 24 jets to be delivered by France. He said the 24th plane is expected to be in Doha by the middle of January, 2020.
In the field of higher education, Gellet expressed his keenness to encourage more young French students to come to Qatar. He said both Qatar University and Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) have shown interest in this regard.
“There is an interest and I am pushing for that as well for the French students to come to HEC in Doha. We are in a fast-growing region economically and specifically in Qatar. I firmly recommend young French students to come and understand this region. Qatar in particular has the capacity to keep its own identity and at the same time be fully in the globalised world which is exceptional. This plan is still in discussion but we would like the French students to come to Doha the soonest possible,” he said.
The official also mentioned plans for exchange programmes between Qatari and French universities.
Commenting on the preparations for Qatar-France Year of Culture in 2020, Gellet described the event to be a very important one that would aim to draw people’s attention to other aspects of France apart from culture, such as its sports, gastronomy, innovation in economy and industries.
While important details of the cultural programme will be revealed later, the envoy mentioned that a big exhibition involving major French artists is in the lineup as well as cultural events to be hosted by Qatar Embassy in France simultaneously.
Ambassador Gellet also reiterated the commitment of his country to supporting Qatar in the field of cyber security, noting the ongoing cooperation between a French university in Western France and Qatar University in this regard.
Similarly, he underscored the support of France in ensuring the success of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Doha by sharing their experience in hosting major sporting events. According to the envoy, in the recently concluded FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, a delegation from Qatari police, Lekhwiya and Civil Defence was present to observe the dynamics of the event.
On regional issues, Gellet has said that France is ready and on alert to help, whenever requested, in the efforts to resolve the Gulf Crisis. He also highlighted France’s capability to talk to all players to help decrease the tensions concerning Iran.
