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- Sheikh Tamim says leaders discussed expanding cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international issues following Tuesday’s meeting in Doha
UPDATES WITH MORE DETAILS; REVISES HEADLINE, DECK, LEDE
By Tarek Chouiref and Ikram Kouachi
ISTANBUL (AA) - Qatar’s emir said Wednesday that he held “fruitful” talks with the French president on regional and international issues, as well as on strengthening their strategic partnership, a day after the two leaders met in Doha.
“Fruitful talks brought me together in Doha with my friend President Emmanuel Macron,” Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said in a post on the US social media platform X.
“We discussed ways to strengthen our strategic partnership, expand areas of cooperation between our two countries, and exchange views on the most prominent regional and international issues,” he added.
The Qatari emir said the two countries valued the progress made in their relations and their shared commitment to consolidating security and stability and serving the mutual interests of their peoples.
The talks took place at Lusail Palace in Doha on Tuesday, according to a statement from the Amiri Diwan, the office of the emir.
The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and their strategic partnership, particularly in the economic, investment, security, and defense sectors, the statement said.
Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to developing cooperation with Qatar, according to the statement.
The leaders also held a separate meeting ahead of formal talks to discuss bilateral relations and developments in the region.
Macron arrived in Doha from Bahrain on Tuesday as part of a Gulf tour that also included the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. The tour concludes Wednesday in Qatar.
The French presidency said the Oct. 19-21 tour aimed to strengthen strategic and economic partnerships with Gulf countries and support efforts to restore regional stability and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
The visit comes amid regional tensions following the war launched by the US and Israel against Iran on Feb. 28. Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks across the region and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington later imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
Ikrame Imane Kouachi
