Qatar’s emir and Macron discuss stronger economic, investment and defence ties in Doha during a Gulf tour focused on partnerships and regional stability

Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and French President Emmanuel Macron met at Lusail Palace in Doha to discuss strengthening economic, investment and defence cooperation. The Amiri Diwan said they reviewed bilateral relations and vital sectors and discussed pressing regional developments. Sheikh Tamim welcomed Macron’s visit as a reflection of strong ties between the two countries, while Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to expanding its strategic partnership with Qatar.

Macron arrived in Doha from Bahrain as part of a wider Gulf tour that also included Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. The French presidency said the October 19–21 tour was intended to consolidate strategic and economic partnerships with Gulf states, support multilateral initiatives to restore regional stability and safeguard freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

The meeting took place amid acute regional instability following the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28. The post said Tehran responded with sweeping missile and drone barrages across the region and effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz.