Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will kick off on Tuesday a two-day state visit to France where he will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron.
In a statement on Monday, the Elysee palace said the visit will be an opportunity to deepen bilateral relations in defense, security, investment and the economy.
They will also seek to bolster cultural relations and deepen cooperation in development.
Sheikh Tamim is traveling to France at the head of a large ministerial and economic delegation.
The statement also hailed the consultations between France and Qatar over regional and international affairs.
This will be Sheikh Tamim’s first state visit to France since he ascended the throne in 2013.
Sources at the Elysee said the developments in Gaza and the political deadlock in Lebanon will be one of the main focuses of the talks between Qatari and French officials.
The sources added that Paris recognizes Doha’s role in providing humanitarian aid to Gaza, releasing hostages held by Hamas and the “Islamic Jihad” and reaching a ceasefire in the conflict.
French sources said Paris is therefore keen on bolstering its relations with Qatar.
In addition, the crisis in Lebanon will also feature during Sheikh Tamim’s visit as Qatar and France are members of the Quintet on Lebanon that also includes Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United States.
The committee is helping Lebanon end the deadlock over the election of a new president, which is growing more pressing as tensions mount between Hezbollah and Israel along the southern border.
Observers in Paris have said France will urge Doha to continue to provide financial support to the Lebanese army, whose commander has visited Doha on a number of occasions and is understood to have good ties with its authorities.
France believes the army is a major player who can de-escalate the tensions and avert a full-scale war between Hezbollah and Israel.
