Qatar and France Hold Official Talks Session

Doha, June 23 (QNA) - The State of Qatar led by HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani held Sunday official talks session at the Emiri Diwan with the Republic of France led by French President Francois Hollande. HH the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani attended the session. HE the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani and a number of ministers attended the session as well. On the French side, members of the delegation accompanying the French President attended the session. They discussed bilateral relations and means to enhance them as well as a number of regional and international issues of joint interest particularly focused on developments in Syria. HH the Emir and the French President oversaw the signing of a cooperation agreement in the diplomatic fields between of the State of Qatar and the Republic of France. They also oversaw the signing of an agreement to establish an investment fund between Qatar Holding and Fonds de Garantie des Depots. HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani stressed that the current visit of French President Francois Hollande to Qatar reflects the depth of relations between the two brotherly countries. In a press statement after the session, HH the Emir welcomed President Hollande in Qatar, expressing pleasure over the visit which was the best proof of the keenness of both countries on developing their common relations. HH the Emir said he discussed, during his meeting with the French President, how to develop and enhance the existing relations between the two countries. HH the Emir noted that he followed the meeting of the French President at the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the formation of two committees of businessmen in the two countries, wishing them success in the future in establishing joint venture whether in Qatar or in France. HH the Emir said "we have discussed the most important issue of concern to the two countries and for which a special conference was held yesterday in Doha, namely the Syrian issue. We feel sorry for what the Syrian people are subjected to amid international silence. HH the Emir hoped that the Syrian people, after the Doha conference, would be helped in order to defend themselves and that humanitarian aid would be delivered to them. HH the Emir said he discussed with the French president France's assistance to Qatar in projects related to World Cup 2022 and hoped for taking advantage of France's engineering expertise especially that France will host Euro 2016 Championship, adding that France has a previous experience in organizing the World Cup. For his part, French President Francois Hollande expressed happiness over his visit to the State of Qatar and the reception accorded to him by HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani during the visit. Hollande underlined the French Republic's keenness on developing relations between France and the State of Qatar for historic, political and cultural reasons, pointing to the existence of many projects between the two countries that brings them closer. He referred in this respect to the relations which are getting closer continuously between businessmen in the two countries, noting that French companies are giving their best. He welcomed the Qatari investments in France which will provide job opportunities in his country. He said "in addition to economic activities, talks with HH the Emir dealt with political developments in the region. In this respect, Hollande said the two countries reached a common position towards developments in Syria, not only the denunciation of the tragedy there, but also how to find a solution to the crisis and to help the Syrian opposition defend itself and gain ground. He stressed that both Qatar and France wanted a political resolution to the Syrian crisis and they are working to achieve that end. Hollande said the talks also touched on providing support to Arab Spring countries like Tunisia and Egypt, adding that " we are aware of the important of that and we are working hand in hand with Qatar to support development and democracy efforts in those countries." The French President said the talks also dealt with the cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Qatar and France, referring in this respect to his opening yesterday of the premises of the Voltaire French School in Qatar. He explained that France is interested in helping Qatar, which became a member of the International Organization of the Francophonie, describing the organizing of the World Cup 2022 as a great international event that will be witnessed by billions across the world. Concluding, the French President said ''the outcome of these talks underlines the purpose of my visit to Qatar,'' hoping that the two countries would realize progress and make new steps in their excellent relations which are based on confidence, respect and transparency. HH the Emir later hosted a luncheon banquet in honour of the French President and his accompanying delegation. The French President was accorded an official reception ceremony upon arrival at the Emiri Diwan. (QNA)