*Enhanced co-operation in higher education, other fields under study
The volume of trade between Qatar and France stood at QR14bn in 2018, disclosed the French envoy on Saturday, adding that Qatar was a strong and dynamic country that could tide over all obstacles.
“Trade between both the countries has been going up and the level of our exchange in 2018 amounted to QR14bn. It shows that Qatar remains a very strong country whatever be the circumstances. The dynamism of both the countries has led to this progress. There is greater interest from both countries to work together,” said French ambassador Franck Gellet at a press conference.
He also noted that the delivery of the Rafale aircraft to Qatar will be completed by January 2020. “Ten out of the 24 Rafael aircraft to be delivered to Qatar, have already arrived. These planes have been delivered on time. They are the best of this generation and the entire lot will arrive soon with the last one to be delivered by the middle of January 2020,” stated Gellet.
According to him, the 'Strategic Dialogue' between Qatar and France held twice a year focuses on details of the co-operation between Qatar and France. It also helps in preparing a roadmap of activities for the future and how they can be implemented. Top officials from both the countries take part in the meetings.
The ambassador said that France is working with Qatar in the field of higher education in a big way. “We are trying to see if we can bring French students to Qatar to continue their studies in Qatar University or Hamad Bin Kahlifa University. This is a very dynamic and economically active region, especially Qatar. I would like to see the French youngsters come here and understand more about this region. We have plans for an exchange programme and there are ongoing discussions between universities in France and Qatar. It will be for students as well as teachers,” he explained.
The envoy said that as 2020 has been announced as ‘Qatar-France Year of Culture’, both the countries are planning for several events. “We are working on several programmes including arts, sports, cooking and many other areas. Qatar also will be organising some events in France. There will be at least one major exhibition by French artists in Qatar among other programmes. My Qatari counterpart in France is also working hard on presenting Qatari events in France. We have worked together to present some big events at prestigious locations in Paris,” said the official.
As for other areas of co-operation, Gellet said France has signed an agreement with Qatar in cybersecurity. “We have the capacity to know accurately and pinpoint cyberattacks. We are ready to share our support to Qatar. We have also an agreement between Qatar University and the University of South Brittany in cybersecurity and they come to Qatar once in three months.”
The envoy also hinted at working together in the areas of environment, smart cities among others.
Regarding the Gulf crisis, the ambassador said France is still available for any mediation to solve the problem. “We are talking to everybody. We hope that all will come to rapprochement. The visit of Qatar’s Prime Minister HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani to the summit in Saudi Arabia was a very important sign of goodwill. Whatever we can do, we are ready. We are also aware of the suffering of the families affected by the blockade. We are always on the alert and ready to engage everyone at the earliest,” he added.
“Trade between both the countries has been going up and the level of our exchange in 2018 amounted to QR14bn. It shows that Qatar remains a very strong country whatever be the circumstances. The dynamism of both the countries has led to this progress. There is greater interest from both countries to work together,” said French ambassador Franck Gellet at a press conference.
He also noted that the delivery of the Rafale aircraft to Qatar will be completed by January 2020. “Ten out of the 24 Rafael aircraft to be delivered to Qatar, have already arrived. These planes have been delivered on time. They are the best of this generation and the entire lot will arrive soon with the last one to be delivered by the middle of January 2020,” stated Gellet.
According to him, the 'Strategic Dialogue' between Qatar and France held twice a year focuses on details of the co-operation between Qatar and France. It also helps in preparing a roadmap of activities for the future and how they can be implemented. Top officials from both the countries take part in the meetings.
The ambassador said that France is working with Qatar in the field of higher education in a big way. “We are trying to see if we can bring French students to Qatar to continue their studies in Qatar University or Hamad Bin Kahlifa University. This is a very dynamic and economically active region, especially Qatar. I would like to see the French youngsters come here and understand more about this region. We have plans for an exchange programme and there are ongoing discussions between universities in France and Qatar. It will be for students as well as teachers,” he explained.
The envoy said that as 2020 has been announced as ‘Qatar-France Year of Culture’, both the countries are planning for several events. “We are working on several programmes including arts, sports, cooking and many other areas. Qatar also will be organising some events in France. There will be at least one major exhibition by French artists in Qatar among other programmes. My Qatari counterpart in France is also working hard on presenting Qatari events in France. We have worked together to present some big events at prestigious locations in Paris,” said the official.
As for other areas of co-operation, Gellet said France has signed an agreement with Qatar in cybersecurity. “We have the capacity to know accurately and pinpoint cyberattacks. We are ready to share our support to Qatar. We have also an agreement between Qatar University and the University of South Brittany in cybersecurity and they come to Qatar once in three months.”
The envoy also hinted at working together in the areas of environment, smart cities among others.
Regarding the Gulf crisis, the ambassador said France is still available for any mediation to solve the problem. “We are talking to everybody. We hope that all will come to rapprochement. The visit of Qatar’s Prime Minister HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani to the summit in Saudi Arabia was a very important sign of goodwill. Whatever we can do, we are ready. We are also aware of the suffering of the families affected by the blockade. We are always on the alert and ready to engage everyone at the earliest,” he added.
