Diplomatic Institute Hosts Symposium on Qatari-French Relations

Doha, February 17 (QNA) - The Diplomatic Institute at the Foreign Ministry hosted on Tuesday a symposium on the French-Qatari relations addressed by HE French Ambassador to Qatar Eric Chevallier and attended by a number of diplomats and the ministry staff.   In his remarks to the symposium, HE the French Ambassador undetlined the importance of the relations between Qatar and France, describing them as "a strategic and deep". These relations dated back to the beginning of the 80s of the last century, he said, adding that Qatar has changed a lot since then and the relations between the two countries continued to grow at a good satisfactory level throughout the successive French presidents. He stressed his country's desire to contribute to the development witnessed in Qatar since the beginning of gas production and its exportation in large quantities. Since its inception, a major French company has been operating in Qatar to produce and develop liquefied natural gas industry, Chevallier pointed out. Adressing other aspects of the strategic relations between the two countries, the French ambassador highlighted the mutual understanding between them with regard to the Syrian file, stressing that Doha and Paris have converging positions on the Syrian issue and have been coordinating in support of the Syrian people in the face of the tyrant regime in Damascus and the violence against its citizens. Touching on the situation in Iraq, HE the French Ambassador to Doha said France and Qatar agree on the need to fight Daash, and agree to work in the same direction to support the Iraqi Sunnis and the attainment to their full citizenship rights. Speaking about the terrorist attack that took place recently in France, HE Chevallier said that all approaches and visions that could lead to division or confrontation on the basis of religion should be avoided. HE the French Ambassador affirmed that the ties between Qatar and France are based on partnership. Praising Qatar National Vision 2030, he said France wants to contribute to achieving Qatar's vision and is working to accomplish this goal through its existing partnerships in Qatar. He also made a reference to the agreement signed last year between the ministers of culture of both countries for new dynamic cultural cooperation, through a higher committee tasked to follow up on this issue. HE Chevallier praised Qatar's efforts in the field of sports as an integral part in bringing peoples and cultures together, not only through the Qatar national sports day, but also through organizing a high-level international events such as Asian games, handball world cup, while stressing on France's support since the beginning for Qatar to host the football world Cup in 2022. He also spoke of other aspects of cooperation between the two countries, including cooperation between the Diplomatic Institute and the National School of Administration in France, and other educational projects, among others. (END)