In Doha on Oct. 20, French President Emmanuel Macron met Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani during a Gulf trip aimed at securing diesel supplies amid French protests over living costs and fuel prices.
Qatar News Agency said the leaders reviewed cooperation on investment, the economy, security and defense at Lusail Palace, along with regional developments. Its account of the talks announced no new agreement to supply diesel to France.
Macron said in an Oct. 18 address that he would visit Gulf countries to secure fuel and gas supplies; the Élysée had separately outlined plans to seek additional diesel and petrol deliveries. He acknowledged protesters’ concerns about living costs and fuel prices. He also said the government was working with fuel distributors so efforts to increase supply would reach consumers.
Al-Thani described the trip as the first state visit to Qatar by a French president, Qatar News Agency said. Macron had previously visited Qatar in 2021. Qatar’s ambassador to France said the state visit would run through Oct. 21.
During the emir’s 2024 state visit to France, the two governments announced a €10 billion Qatari investment commitment for French businesses and funds. The commitment covered sectors including energy transition, artificial intelligence, aerospace and health. The governments also welcomed long-term liquefied natural gas purchase agreements between QatarEnergy and TotalEnergies.
TotalEnergies said in 2022 that it had taken a 25% stake in a venture with QatarEnergy. That venture held 25% of the North Field East liquefied natural gas project. Those gas arrangements are separate from the diesel supplies Macron is seeking during this trip.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said regional escalation threatened energy supplies and the global economy. It said Qatar continued mediation efforts aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
The ministry said the countries would hold a strategic dialogue on Oct. 21, with energy, investment, the economy and defense on the agenda.
