Macron’s two-day state visit to Qatar is the final stop of his Gulf tour, amid regional concerns over energy supplies and maritime security.
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Doha on Tuesday for a two-day state visit during which he is expected to hold talks with Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on bilateral relations and regional and international developments.
Macron was received at Hamad International Airport by Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani.
Qatar’s Ambassador to France Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani and French Ambassador to Qatar Arnaud Pescheux were also present.
The French president was later received by the Amir at Lusail Palace. The official reception began with the national anthems of Qatar and France, followed by an inspection of the guard of honour.
Those attending included Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi, Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, and France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot.
The leaders are expected to discuss cooperation across several sectors, alongside regional and international issues of mutual concern.
Macron’s Gulf tour concludes in Qatar
Qatar is the final stop on Macron’s Gulf tour, which began in Kuwait on Monday before continuing to the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
The visit comes amid continued instability around the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over energy supplies, maritime security and the wider economic impact of regional tensions.
During the earlier stages of his tour, Macron held talks with Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Sabah and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Discussions with Gulf leaders have focused on regional developments, energy security, maritime navigation and opportunities to expand cooperation in areas including defence, investment and advanced technologies.
France is seeking to strengthen its engagement with Gulf partners as the economic consequences of the regional conflict continue to affect international markets.
Qatar-France ties span trade, energy and security
Qatar’s Ambassador to France Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani described the visit as an important milestone in the countries’ strategic relationship in a statement to Qatar News Agency ahead of the French president’s arrival.
Al Thani said both countries were seeking to expand cooperation in investment, energy, defence, education, healthcare and technology, including artificial intelligence, digital transformation and cybersecurity.
The ambassador also pointed to coordination on regional issues, including efforts related to Gaza, support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability, and developments in Syria.
Maritime security and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz were also among the areas of shared concern.
The visit follows a series of high-level exchanges, including the Amir’s state visit to France in February 2024. The two countries have continued to develop cooperation across political, economic, security and cultural fields.
More than 665 French companies operate in Qatar, while bilateral trade in goods between the two countries reached around QAR 6.39 billion in 2025, according to Qatar News Agency.
Qatar has also committed €10 billion in investment in key sectors of the French economy, including energy transition, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, healthcare and hospitality.
Both countries are also seeking to broaden commercial ties in areas including technology, financial services, and innovation.