(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The just-concluded visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to France underscores the growing importance of Qatar on the international stage, especially at a time when the country is facing an unjust siege imposed by the Saudi-led quartet.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut diplomatic and transport ties with Qatar on June 5, 2017, accusing it of backing terrorism, a charge which Doha denies.
Since then the four countries have mounted a campaign to tarnish Qatar's fair image globally. The latest visit of the Amir to France, and his numerous previous tours of several countries over the past year, reaffirm Qatar's prestigious position in the international arena and the world's respect for its policies in the face of the siege.
The Amir's meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday reflects the significance of Qatar as a main partner of France in the fight against terrorism.
The two leaders' discussion on terrorism, their emphasis on fighting it and drying up its funding sources reaffirm the paramount interest and determination of both countries in their joint efforts to combat the menace and its financing, in accordance with the letter of intent signed in Doha last December.
Another significant takeaway from the Amir's visit was the French president's support for the Kuwaiti mediation to resolve the Gulf crisis, and his recognition of the suffering the Qatari people continue to endure as a result of the unjust measures adopted by the siege countries - such as separating families, disrupting students' education, hampering smooth travel and preventing Qataris from performing religious rituals.
President Macron's emphasis on dialogue to resolve the crisis and his call for the lifting of the illegal blockade clearly reflects the positive French position towards Qatar, a fact which was underlined by Macron during his joint press conference with the Amir.
The talks also underscore the two countries' common visions to resolve crucial issues in the Middle East, especially the situation in Palestine, Syria, Libya and Yemen.
On the bilateral front, the meeting reaffirms the depth of the longstanding relations between Qatar and France in the fields of economy, trade, military, defence, security, culture, education, agriculture and sports.
It is noteworthy that His Highness the Amir asserted his keenness to spur the growth in French-Qatari relations and underlined the strong friendship between the two countries during the joint press conference.
Also significant is the French president's praise for the strong Qatari-French relations which he described as strategic, hailing Qatar as a 'reliable partner and a friendly country with an ambition and a vision for the future.
President Macron asserted that Qatar is an important partner of France in establishing peace in several parts of the Middle East and Africa.
The French president's remarks confirm the importance of the role played by Qatar - as an honest and acceptable mediator among the various parties - in achieving peace and security in the Middle East and other parts of the world.
The strong relations were also highlighted by the agreements signed between the two countries, which contribute to promoting the distinct strategic partnership between Qatar and France in various fields.
It is amply evident from His Highness the Amir's successful visit to France that Qatar is further enhancing its global image and beating the siege politically and diplomatically.
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