Qatar and France Reiterate the Need to Restore Freedom of Navigation in the Strait of Hormuz

Doha, October 21 (KUNA) — Qatar and France reiterated today, Wednesday, the necessity of restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz without restrictions or fees, expressing their support for efforts aimed at achieving this goal.

A joint statement issued by Qatar and France on the occasion of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Doha stated that, in light of the established historical relations and continuously evolving cooperation between Qatar and France, President Macron undertook a state visit to Doha from October 20 to 21, 2026, at the invitation of Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their historical partnership and intensifying cooperation in the fields of defense, security, energy, economic affairs, academic and cultural exchanges, as well as close political and diplomatic coordination. They welcomed the fourth round of the bilateral strategic dialogue, held on the sidelines of the state visit, chaired by Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot.

The statement noted that the two sides exchanged views on the latest developments concerning several regional and international issues, particularly the escalation in the region, ways to de-escalate tensions, ensure freedom of navigation and energy security, and achieve sustainable peace through dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful means.

Amid the highly sensitive security and geopolitical developments in the region, the French President affirmed France’s absolute solidarity with the State of Qatar. Both sides condemned the Iranian military attacks on countries in the region, describing them as a serious violation of international law. They reiterated their long-standing support for all efforts aimed at reaching a diplomatic solution that permanently addresses the threats posed by Iran, particularly ensuring the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program through verification.

The French President praised Qatar’s mediation efforts to achieve this objective, reiterating the necessity of restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz without restrictions or fees, and expressing their support for efforts aimed at achieving this goal. They also reaffirmed their continued work with international partners to enhance regional and international security and stability, agreeing to intensify consultations and coordinate joint diplomatic efforts to contain tensions and de-escalate, especially in light of the challenges facing the region.

In this context, Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to its role as a reliable partner in supporting global energy security and the stability of energy supplies. Both sides praised their countries’ distinguished cooperation on regional and global issues, reaffirming their commitment to achieving lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.

They supported the two-state solution, which ensures the establishment of an independent State of Palestine living side by side with Israel in peace and security, in line with the New York Declaration. Qatar and France reiterated their opposition to any annexation of the West Bank and called for an end to Israeli settlement policies and settler violence.

They expressed their support for United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 and the comprehensive plan proposed by US President Donald Trump to end the conflict in Gaza. They stressed the necessity for all parties to fulfill all their commitments under relevant agreements and frameworks, including the implementation of a ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces according to agreed arrangements, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza promptly, safely, and without obstacles, conditions, or restrictions.

Regarding Lebanon, Qatar and France reiterated their commitment to supporting Lebanon’s stability and sovereignty, a stance they have consistently upheld as members of the Five-Nation Committee. In this context, the two countries affirmed that the upcoming expiration of the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) must not lead to a security vacuum that could destabilize the country and the entire region. They emphasized the importance of maintaining an international presence and continuing to provide support to the Lebanese authorities and the Lebanese Armed Forces.

The two countries also reiterated their support for the full implementation of the Tripartite Framework Agreement by all parties, paving the way for the Lebanese authorities to restore their sovereignty over all Lebanese territory, the disarmament of Hezbollah, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon.

Qatar and France confirmed their continued cooperation to support stability in Libya, Syria, Sudan, the Horn of Africa, the Great Lakes region, Yemen, and to back UN-led political processes and efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

Regarding Syria, the two countries reaffirmed their readiness to work together to support projects contributing to stability and economic recovery in Syria, in close coordination with the Syrian authorities.

The two sides reiterated their commitment to deepening the partnership between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) by enhancing further forms of organized cooperation. They agreed to strengthen their defense capabilities by expanding military cooperation, including cooperation between their land forces, marking a new chapter in the military partnership between Qatar and France.

Qatar expressed its appreciation for the deployment of air defense capabilities and its interest in continuing cooperation in this field, noting that the Rafale aircraft operated by both countries remain a cornerstone of cooperation and interoperability between their air forces.

Qatar and France reaffirmed the importance of their operational cooperation in the fields of security and defense, and welcomed the progress made in their collaboration over the past year, particularly through signed contracts concerning radar systems and communications satellites. They also welcomed the strengthening of their partnership in civil protection, particularly through their joint support for Syrian civil defense.

Qatar and France expressed their commitment to prioritizing direct investments in both countries, focusing on strategic sectors such as energy, telecommunications technology, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, defense, and security, especially cybersecurity, as well as defense industry projects.

The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding their cooperation in energy security in light of regional escalations. This aspect of cooperation will focus, without being limited to, industrial cooperation, research and development, diversification of sources, as well as cooperation in water management. (End)