Qatar is exerting a growing influence in France, with massive investments in various economic and cultural sectors. Endowed with considerable financial resources, the Persian Gulf kingdom is using its sovereign wealth fund to extend its influence worldwide, including in France. The Emir of Qatar’s recent state visit to France underlines the importance of the economic, diplomatic and cultural ties between the two countries.
Located on the edge of the Persian Gulf, Qatar is a country slightly smaller than the Île-de-France region. Endowed with substantial hydrocarbon reserves, mainly natural gas, the country experienced exponential growth in the late 1990s. Today, Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund totals over 450 billion dollars, spread across a wide range of investment sectors. These range from Qatar Airways to the Paris Saint-Germain soccer club.
As France strives to build a strategically advantageous global position, it has no hesitation in turning to this powerful bloc to forge alliances. Indeed, France is the leading European investor in Qatar, with investments totalling nine billion dollars in sectors such as energy, aeronautics, infrastructure and tourism.
On February 27 and 28, the Emir of Qatar, Tamim ben Hamad Al-Thani, made a state visit to France that highlighted the close relations between the two nations. The visit, the first of its kind in 15 years, testifies to the importance Qatar attaches to its partnership with France. It “constitutes an honor for France and illustrates the depth of the ties that unite our two countries”, underlined the Élysée Palace.
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