France, Qatar Have 'Excellent' Relations, Says Fabius

Doha, December 06 (QNA) - Qatar and France enjoy distinguished and excellent relations and share the same vision for several regional political issues, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said Thursday. Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the sidelines of the Doha-based UN climate change conference (COP18), Fabius said he held talks with HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and HE the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani, which touched on a number of international issues of mutual concern and issues related to the rooted "strategic friendship" between the two countries. Fabius pointed to the importance of bilateral cooperation on political, economic and cultural levels, noting that a large number of French enterprises and institutions work in Qatar, which in turn has significant investments in France. He added that bilateral trade has important educational dimension, referring to the role of "Bonaparte" and "Voltaire" institutions in strengthening scientific and cultural exchange bonds between the two countries. The French official express hope that the existing bilateral relations would be further enhanced to better serve interests of the two countries. (QNA)