French President Emmanuel Macron And the Emir Of Qatar Elysee said on Saturday that Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will have a “one-on-one working dinner” in Paris on Sunday to discuss “bilateral relations” and “regional issues”.

Emmanuel Macron and Amir Althani last spoke on the phone on February 27. About the Russian occupation of Ukraine. They will dine at a restaurant in the capital, and the president will regularly invite his guests outside Elysee, Dutch Prime Minister Marc Rutte to La Rotento in Paris in August 2021 or Mario Draghi to Italiano Petit Nice in Marseille in September.

Qatar is the future mediator of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict?

During a speech at the Davos Forum, Amir al-Thani offered his services this week as a mediator in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, recalling his “contacts with all stakeholders.” In order to reduce their dependence on Russia, European capitals are trying to improve relations with Doha in an effort to diversify their gas supply.

Qatar has the third largest gas reserves in the world. He is also heavily involved in efforts to mediate between the United States and Iran on Iran’s nuclear issue. The last meeting between the two heads of state was in December 2021, when Emmanuel Macron toured the Gulf countries.

2022 World Cup on the table

Questions of the fight against terrorism and the financial support of the Muslim faith in France were also invited to the menu of discussions. 2022 FIFA World Cup In Qatar and in matters relating to labor law in that country. NGO reports allege that Qatar is exploiting foreign workers, especially in the construction of stadiums. The country strongly rejects these criticisms, emphasizing that labor laws have been reformed and the minimum wage has been introduced.

Amir Altani’s visit comes as Qatar-owned Paris Saint – Germain celebrates its 10th French Championship title with a sovereign wealth fund and records the expansion of his star player Kylian Mbabane. The visit is part of the Emir’s European tour of Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom and the World Economic Forum in Davos.