His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and French President Emmanuel Macron held an official talks session at Lusail Palace Tuesday. At the outset, His Highness the Amir welcomed the French president and his accompanying delegation, wishing them a pleasant stay.
He expressed great pleasure over this historic visit -- the first state visit by a president of the French Republic to the State of Qatar -- noting that it reflects the depth of bilateral relations and the strength of the strategic partnership between the two friendly nations. His Highness also expressed his aspiration to further enhance this partnership and co-operation across various fields.
For his part, President Macron expressed his sincere thanks and deep appreciation to HH the Amir for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to him and the accompanying delegation. He affirmed his country's commitment to developing co-operative relations and advancing them toward broader horizons that meet the aspirations of both nations and their friendly peoples.
During the session, the two sides reviewed bilateral co-operation and the strategic partnership between the two countries, as well as ways to strengthen and develop them across various sectors, primarily the economic, investment, security, and defence spheres.
The session was attended by His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani; His Excellency the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali al-Thani; His Excellency Chief of the Amiri Diwan, Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Mubarak al-Khulaifi; and a lineup of ministers and senior officials.
Also in attendance on the French side were Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans, Catherine Vautrin; Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot; Minister Delegate attached to the Minister for the Armed Forces and Veterans, Alice Ruffo; and several other high-ranking officials.
HH the Amir and President Macron had earlier held a bilateral meeting, during which they reviewed the friendly relations and co-operation between the two countries, as well as developments in the region.
Upon his arrival at Lusail Palace, the French president was accorded an official reception. The ceremony began with a 21-gun salute, accompanied by a performance of the Qatari 'Ardha' traditional dance and displays by the horse and camel-mounted guards. This was followed by the playing of both national anthems, after which the two sides exchanged introductions with the respective official delegations.
