French print, visual, and audio media outlets have shown significant interest in HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's visit to the French Republic.
A report by France info radio (radio de France Info) said that HH the Amir's visit has a different dimension, as it is a state visit that comes after 11 years since HH assumed power. Perhaps the role of mediator that Qatar plays explains all the praise HH received during his visit to Paris, it added.
The report, in "Le monde est à nous," program added that except for Qatar, no other country can simultaneously engage with the West, Israel, and Hamas. This diplomatic flexibility allows Qatar to establish itself as an indispensable interlocutor or mediator since Oct. 7, 2023.
It noted that Qatar has succeeded in reaching a temporary pause in Gaza in November 2023, but it didn't relent and made every effort to find common ground, paving the way for a new truce accompanied by significant humanitarian aid. This effort led to the release of dozens of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners. Despite meetings held in Paris last weekend, Doha remains central to all talks related to the war between Hamas and Israel, leaving the role of Paris marginal, while French President Macron still has messages he wants to share with his Qatari counterpart concerning three French hostages held by Hamas.
The report concluded by saying that Qatar's contributions in the Lebanese issue, along with its essential role in evacuating foreign nationals from Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of Kabul, are motivating factors that could create a positive context, giving Paris and Doha the opportunity to open a new chapter in their diplomatic relations.
On the other hand, France 24 TV (French) correspondent Karim Yahiaoui said that France places great hopes on HH the Amir, especially since Qatar plays a pivotal role in the exchange deals between Hamas and Israel, adding that this gives hope to France for the release of the three French hostages.
With the ongoing Qatari intense efforts, the world hopes that there could be a possibility of a ceasefire and a new exchange deal between the two sides of the conflict in the near future, Yahiaoui said.
He added that the Elysee Palace has repeatedly emphasises the importance of Qatar as an unparalleled negotiating force in the field of talks, which makes it an indispensable partner.
A report by France 24 (Arabic) said that Qatar is the main mediator in the current war between Hamas and Israel, according to the French presidency.
The report, broadcasted in the news bulletin, said that after Hamas attack on Oct. 7 last year and the beginning of Israel's response in Gaza, Qatar immediately took vigorous attempts to mediate between Israel, Hamas, and international players to reach a pause. Since early November 2023, Qatar has mediated an agreement between Israel, Hamas and Egypt, in coordination with the United States, to evacuate foreign nationals from Gaza to Egypt.
The report continued that in mid-November, Qatar achieved a resounding success by reaching the first pause in the war, which was extended for a full week, leading to a prisoner exchange deal that resulted in the release of over 100 hostages held by Hamas and about 240 Palestinian prisoners.
It concluded by saying that Qatar is in a hurry to be reckoned with, especially through its active participation with Paris in providing humanitarian and medical aid to Gaza by air and through Egypt, and its support for Paris in considering that the only solution to end the crisis is the two-state solution.
French print media paid attention to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's visit to Paris.
In this context, French newspaper "Le Parisien" said in a report that HH the Amir's visit, which represents the highest protocol level in France, will focus specifically on the file of releasing hostages in Gaza, as it is a priority for the Amir of Qatar and President Macron, particularly since there are still French nationals among the hostages.
For its part "La Tribune" newspaper said that Paris and Doha are negotiating important deals in the field of defense, but HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's state visit, the first of its kind, will not be limited to signing agreements, but will also focus heavily on the disastrous humanitarian situation in Gaza.
It considered that HH's visit aims - first and foremost - to strengthen bilateral relations and coordinate stances between the two countries at the international level, noting that the priority for France is the release of the French hostages held by Hamas, as Paris is relying on Doha to make progress in this matter. Additionally, both countries aspire to take a decisive and irreversible step towards the two-state solution, according to the Elysee Palace, it said, pointing out that the visit also aims to enhance the ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza. (QNA)
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani
