The Qatar-France 2020 Year of Culture will strengthen the ties between the two countries and open new doors of co-operation, French ambassador Franck Gellet said Wednesday.
"An array of events ranging from cultural programmes to knowledge sharing, and encompassing arts, music, cinema, sport and literary and scientific coffee breaks will take place throughout 2020," he explained at a press conference.
The entire programme will be announced at a press conference at the Qatar National Museum on January 7, the envoy said.
The “Institut Français du Qatar”, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019, is also a key stakeholder in the 2020 cultural year. New projects including literary and scientific coffee breaks, wide range of activities and opportunities to visit the institute will be in place. A Majlis to welcome the audience throughout the year will be set up.
The ambassador noted that relations between the two countries are strong and there is an exceptional partnership rooted in deep friendship. "France has always been supportive of Qatar," he said, adding that the country will continue to support Qatar to make its economy more diversified and autonomous.
"The current year witnessed dynamism of bilateral relations. Seven agreements were signed in sectors of defence, security, higher education and culture. The two countries also hosted visiting of high level delegations and their meetings," he said.
The envoy went on to say that economic exchange between the two countries is constantly growing and bilateral trade has steadily exceeded 2bn Euro per year since 2014 while it increased by 33% in 2018. French companies are associated in the works of Doha Metro and Lusail Tram, French firms provide Qatar with cybersecurity services and French experts and armed forces are active in helping Qatar secure venues of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
"French companies also played a leading role in installing security system all over Doha Port and Hamad International Airport. Modernisation of Kahramaa's communication and data transmission facilities are carried out by French companies," he said.
The ambassador who said 2019 is a milestone in the field of military co-operation noted that the year witnessed signing of Status of Forces Agreement (SoFA). He added that 20 out of the 36 Rafale jets have been so far delivered to Qatar while 12 are in the making.
Related Story