The key facts
- Qatar's Emir and Macron in Doha called for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and an end to settlement policy in the West Bank
- The sides supported a two-state solution, Palestinian elections and diplomatic settlement with Iran
- Lebanon, Syria and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz were also discussed; Macron's tour included Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia
Joint statement following talks in Doha
Qatar and France on Wednesday called on Israel to withdraw troops from Gaza as part of the agreed ceasefire arrangements and to end its settlement policy in the occupied West Bank. The positions were set out in a joint statement by Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs following talks between Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and French President Emmanuel Macron in Doha, which hosted the Middle East leg of the French leader's tour.
The Palestinian question
The sides reaffirmed their disagreement with any annexation of the occupied West Bank, demanded an end to settlement policy and violence by Israeli settlers. They stressed the need for full implementation of the ceasefire in Gaza, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces under the agreed arrangements and the urgent, safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid. Qatar and France also reiterated their support for a two-state solution and the holding of Palestinian elections.
Iran and the Strait of Hormuz
On the Iranian issue, the countries condemned Tehran's military attacks on countries in the region and called for a diplomatic settlement guaranteeing the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme. They also called for the restoration of unimpeded shipping through the Strait of Hormuz without the levying of fees. According to the statement, France highly praised Qatar's mediation efforts to reduce regional tensions.
Lebanon and Syria
On Lebanon, the sides supported the full implementation of the trilateral framework agreement on restoring Lebanese sovereignty, disarming Hezbollah and a full Israeli withdrawal. They warned of the risk of a security vacuum after the end of the mandate of the UN peacekeeping mission and called for continued international support to the Lebanese authorities and armed forces. On Syria, Qatar and France expressed readiness to jointly support stabilisation and economic recovery projects in coordination with the Syrian authorities.
Bilateral cooperation and Macron's tour
In addition to regional issues, Qatar and France agreed to expand cooperation in the defence, security and economic spheres. Macron's tour, which also included Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, was aimed at strengthening strategic and economic partnerships, supporting regional stability and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
