French President Hails Qatar-France Relationship

Doha, June 23 (QNA) - French President Francois Hollande has praised the friendly relationship existing between his country and the State of Qatar. In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of his current visit to the country, Hollande said that France is ready to strengthen cooperation with Qatar in all fields, whether in political dialogue, economic relations or defense cooperation. The French President noted to the cultural links between the two countries, pointing out to Qatar's accession to the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF). He also considered his visit to Qatar as an opportunity to give new prospects for partnerships that already exist between the two countries. In his interview with QNA, Hollande stressed that the State of Qatar confirmed its position as an important actor at the regional and international arena. He continued to say that his talks with HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani addressed all regional issues, particularly the situation in Syria. The French President expressed his country's desire in supporting the Syrian people and the National Coalition and in obtaining a political solution. Regarding his vision of the prospects of military cooperation between Doha and Paris, Hollande said that his country will always be with Qatar to ensure its defense and security, adding that in the context of the two countries' defense cooperation, France provides effective and modern equipment for the Qatari army. He said that he would submit new proposals in the field of air, land and sea defense, expressing his full confidence that the two countries will achieve progress in each of these areas. Hollande also praised the defense cooperation between the two countries, which is based on Qatar's leadership of organized military exercises, noting that France participated between 2005 and 2011 in the "Al Koot" and "Gulf Falcon" exercise which took place during the period of February 16 to March 7, 2013. He added that Doha and Paris are exchanging training and expertise in all areas related to internal security, noting that the French Gendarmerie has an excellent cooperation with its Qatari counterpart. Hollande went on to say that he is delighted every time French companies join major projects in Qatar, adding that "Total" French company is a historic partner of Qatar, while "Airbus" company provides Qatar Airways with the main part of its fleet and the French companies "BTP" join Ashghal in its ongoing works in Doha. He also added that "Vinci" company will work in Doha subway in time "Alstom" company is an active and major partner in Transportation, indicating that a large number of French companies are based in Qatar which would encourage the exchange between Qatar and France. About his vision of the important role undertaken by the State of Qatar in resolving many conflicts and his assessment of this active role at the regional and international levels, French President Francois Hollande said that Qatar is playing a useful role in the settlement of disputes and is able to talk to a large number of actors on the international scene. He added that this role is essential for the two countries' joint future, adding that for this reason he is negotiating with HH the Emir on all regional issues and others, such as in Africa. In response to a question about the delay of French military intervention in Syria, despite its early intervention in Libya and against armed extremists in Mali, President Holland said that only the Security Council is the one who can decide to use force for international peace and security, pointing out that Russia used its veto to stop any decision in this regard. He explained that France, out of its respect for international legitimacy, cannot and do not want to act alone and as for Libya, France and its partners have moved on the basis of United Nations resolutions, and the same applies to the case in Mali. At the conclusion of his interview with QNA, the French President expressed his country's desire to continue to work with its international partners, including the State of Qatar, noting to its contribution to Mali Donor Conference for financial. (QNA)