HE the Prime Minister Praises Economic Relations Between Qatar and France

Doha, June 23 (QNA) - HE the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani expressed satisfaction over the level the economic relations between Qatar and France has reached, saying relations were strengthened by direct Qatari investments in France through investing in Lagardere Media company, Veolia, Vinci and Baffendi media company as well as other real estate investments and retail trade. In a speech he gave during a meeting held this morning between Qatari and French businessmen attended by French President Francois Hollande, HE the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister described the Qatari-French relations as solid and historic, saying they became deeply-rooted over the past period in various fields and achieved remarkable progress that moved it from the scope of traditional relations to the level of strategic relations supported by the convergence of views on many issues of common interest. He stressed that relations between the two countries have become a model to be followed, saying such relations pushes the two parties to explore new prospects of cooperation between them to contribute to the strengthening and promotion of relations. HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani explained that many French companies have had a share in the state's major development projects, pointing out that QDVC Consortium, which includes Vinci company, won a tender for the Qatar Rail Development Programme (the Rail) for the amount of QRS 7.4 billion in addition to a contract of about QRS 2 billion for Sheraton's parking lot and park and an underground parking lot in Luisail. He also referred to Aegis company's winning of QRS 780 million two contracts related to roads and infrastructure as well as a sewage water treatment project and other contracts won by French companies. HE the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister said if investments needs official directives by governments, they need in the first place individual initiatives by business owners, stressing that without such initiatives, decisions and laws would be futile, therefore businessmen from both side should have the vision, the will, the initiative and the ability to enter into investments that realize an added value to the national economy in both countries. HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani welcomed the French president, his accompanying delegation and the representatives of the French companies wishing them a happy stay in Qatar. He hoped that the visit would achieve its aspired objectives, expressing confidence that the French president's visit to Qatar would be a new addition in the record of the distinguished relations between Qatar and France.(QNA)