The first Joint Committee meeting between Qatar University (QU) and the French embassy in Qatar took place recently at QU.
The meeting comes on the sidelines of the French Language and Francophonie Week and aligns with the strategic ties between Qatar and France, as Qatar has been an associate member of the International Organisation of Francophonie (OIF – Organisation internationale de la Francophonie) since 2012. 
Discussions focused on areas of collaboration between QU and the French embassy, as well as the French institutions and companies supported by the embassy, QU said in a press statement.
Both parties agreed on further steps to enhance co-operation in areas of student exchange, internships and training, research and development opportunities, and the development of the existing French Minor at QU.
QU president Dr Hassan al-Derham said, “This meeting serves to strengthen the long-held ties between Qatar and France. It also highlights our stated mission to build partnerships with institutions in Qatar and around the world, as the university strives to promote an open environment to international civilisations and cultures. QU is also committed to advance a culture of shared knowledge, which will engender far-reaching benefits for QU students in terms of vibrant new experiences and future professional success.”
French ambassador Eric Chevallier said, “France and Qatar University have a long-lasting collaboration. Today, we took our partnership to the next level with the first meeting of the high-level Joint Committee between Qatar University and the French embassy. With president Dr Hassan al-Derham, Dr Omar al-Ansari, V-P for Academic Affairs, and professor Mariam al-Ali al-Maadeed, V-P for Research and Graduate Studies, we had a very fruitful meeting with concrete outcomes in terms of the teaching of French at Qatar University, a roadmap for future collaborations in education and in research with the best French universities, higher education and research institutes, and the training of students within French companies, in Qatar or in France. 
“This Joint Committee will meet regularly to assess the results and to expand the collaborations according to the progresses. France is strongly engaged in knowledge and human capital development in Qatar, and this Joint Committee with Qatar University is another strong commitment.”


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