The Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, signed on Tuesday, on the first day of his state visit to France, an agreement on Qatar’s investment commitments of 10 billion euros in the French economy until the 2030s, AFP and Agerpres said. .

“We have signed an ambitious investment plan of 10 billion euros,” French President Emmanuel Macron announced as he exchanged toasts with his guest at the opening dinner offered in his honor at the Elysee Palace.

“These investments will strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries,” the emir emphasized. They will target sectors such as energy transition, semiconductors, aerospace, artificial intelligence, digital industries, healthcare and culture.

It is the first state visit by the Emir of Qatar to France in 15 years, and the first visit by Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who is fluent in French, since his ascension to the throne in 2013, is a “great honor for France”. , – added Emmanuel Macron.

“Your country is a friendly country of France, a loyal, strategic partner that it knows it can count on in difficult situations,” added the French president, recalling the joint “defense and security” agenda that both states are “on the way.” to “strengthen it” or in the “fight against terrorism”.