Macron Secures Winter LNG and Boosts Defence Ties in Historic Qatar Visit Amid Regional Tensions

French President Emmanuel Macron has concluded a significant two-day state visit to Qatar, marking the first such visit by a French leader. The trip, which also included stops in Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, focused on securing vital winter liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies and enhancing defence cooperation, all while addressing prevailing regional instability.

During a press conference in Doha, President Macron announced that France had secured commitments for two terawatt-hours (TWh) of LNG per month for the upcoming winter period. This agreement aims to bolster France's energy security and mitigate potential price hikes stemming from global instability.

The visit also saw discussions on strengthening defence ties, including potential upgrades to Qatar's Rafale jet capabilities, armoured vehicles, and the acquisition of additional air defence systems. France views itself as a long-standing partner to Qatar, a relationship that has deepened, particularly in light of recent regional conflicts.

President Macron was welcomed by Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Lusail Palace, following his arrival at Hamad International Airport. The reception included traditional honours and a banquet where Sheikh Tamim emphasized the deep-rooted, multidimensional strategic partnership between Qatar and France.

The leaders engaged in official talks covering bilateral relations, with a particular emphasis on economic, investment, security, and defence cooperation, as well as regional and international developments. Energy security was a key theme, with France actively seeking supply arrangements beyond Qatar, including with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the UAE.

On the diplomatic front, Macron lauded Qatar's mediation efforts in de-escalating tensions between Iran and the United States. He confirmed France's continued communication with Washington and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, supporting diplomatic channels and de-escalation initiatives. Macron also reiterated France's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The visit also included the fourth annual Qatar-France Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired by 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. Discussions covered cooperation across various sectors and regional issues, including developments in Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, and the Horn of Africa, as well as Iran-related tensions and the Strait of Hormuz.

Additionally, Sheikh Tamim and President Macron attended the ninth One Planet Sovereign Wealth Funds (OPSWF) summit in Doha, underscoring the economic and investment dimensions of the bilateral partnership.

President Macron departed Doha on Wednesday, concluding his tour of the Gulf region.