The French president secured winter LNG supplies from Qatar and discussed expanding defence cooperation, as Doha and Paris reaffirmed their strategic partnership amid regional instability.
French President Emmanuel Macron concluded his historic two-day visit to Qatar on Wednesday, announcing new energy supply commitments and plans to strengthen defence cooperation while highlighting Doha’s mediation efforts amid tensions involving Iran and the United States.
The visit, the first state visit to Qatar by a French president, marked the final stop of Macron’s Gulf tour, which began in Kuwait, before continuing to the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
During a press conference in Doha on Wednesday, Macron announced that France had secured the equivalent of two terawatt-hours [TWh] of liquefied natural gas [LNG] per month from Qatar for the winter period.
He also outlined plans to strengthen military cooperation, including upgrades to Qatar’s Rafale jet capabilities, armoured vehicles and discussions on additional air defence systems.
Amir welcomes Macron for historic state visit
Macron arrived at Hamad International Airport on Tuesday, where he was received by Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani.
Macron was later received by Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Lusail Palace, where an official reception included a 21-gun salute, a traditional Qatari Ardah performance, mounted cavalry and camel units, and an inspection of the guard of honour.
“Relations between the State of Qatar and the French Republic are deep rooted and span decades, built on a foundation of cooperation and mutual interests,” said Sheikh Tamim as he addressed the French and Qatari dignitaries during the banquet held at Lusail Palace.
“These relations have steadily developed into a multidimensional strategic partnership that we take pride in.”
The two leaders held official talks focusing on strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in economic, investment, security and defence cooperation, alongside regional and international developments.
France secured Qatar LNG supplies and expanded defence cooperation
Energy security emerged as a central focus of Macron’s visit, with France seeking to protect its economy from further disruptions caused by instability in the Gulf.
Macron said securing LNG supplies from Qatar would help France meet its winter energy requirements and ease pressure on domestic energy prices.
He identified diesel and natural gas as two priorities, noting that France had also pursued supply arrangements with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE.
On defence, Macron described France as a longstanding partner of Qatar and said the relationship had demonstrated its strength during the regional conflict.
He outlined cooperation on Rafale fighter jet upgrades and armoured vehicles, alongside ongoing discussions on radar and air defence systems.
Macron said Gulf countries were increasingly seeking to develop their own defence capabilities with France positioned to support those efforts.
“All the countries in the region seek to have more autonomy and to develop their own defence capabilities. We are partners. We have been partners for several years,” said Macron. “And this relationship, including before last February, had already strengthened a lot.”
Macron praises Qatar’s mediation amid Iran tensions
Regional diplomacy was another major focus of the visit, with Macron acknowledging Qatar’s mediation amid uncertainty over the possibility of renewed conflict between Iran and the United States.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Macron said France had maintained communication with Washington and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian while seeking to expand diplomatic channels and encourage de-escalation.
Macron described Qatar’s mediation as an important step towards reducing tensions, adding that further developments would depend on Iran’s response in the coming days
He reiterated France’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
“We have also made proposals, as you know, to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in the international waters and the Oman waters,” the French President said during his press conference. “This proposal remains valid, and we have talked about it for a long time. There was indeed a mediation that was made by Qatar.”
Qatar and France hold fourth strategic dialogue
On Wednesday, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot chaired the fourth annual Qatar-France Strategic Dialogue in Doha.
In an X post by Qatar’s Prime Minister, the discussions reviewed cooperation across different sectors on regional and international issues.
Avec @jnbarrot nous avons tenu ce jour le 4e dialogue stratégique Qatar-France lors de la visite historique d’@EmmanuelMacron à Doha, confirmant un partenariat stratégique fort et la volonté de renforcer coopération et coordination sur les questions régionales et internationales. pic.twitter.com/QpbePIxnPM
— محمد بن عبدالرحمن (@MBA_AlThani_) October 21, 2026
Both sides assessed progress since the previous dialogue in June 2025
According to Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs [MoFA], discussions also addressed developments in Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, and the Horn of Africa, alongside tensions involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.
The two countries emphasised continued coordination on regional and international issues, including Qatar’s diplomatic mediation efforts.
Investment ties take centre stage at Doha summit
Sheikh Tamim and Macron also attended the ninth One Planet Sovereign Wealth Funds [OPSWF] on Wednesday in Doha, where both leaders viewed a display highlighting the economic and investment activities of participating companies and organizations, while Macron delivered an address during the summit.
The summit highlighted the broader economic dimension of the Qatar-France partnership, alongside cooperation in energy security and defence.
Macron concludes Gulf tour in Doha
The French president departed Doha on Wednesday, where he was seen off at Hamad International Airport by Sheikh Mohammed, concluding his Gulf tour.