On Monday, France’s Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu is set to visit Qatar before heading to Iraq on Tuesday for discussions focusing on “internal and regional security issues,” according to the ministry.
Lecornu is scheduled to meet with Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani before visiting the Al Dhafra Air Base, where the recently acquired French Rafale aircraft are stationed.
The visit is expected to “reaffirm the positive vitality of the defense relationship between France and Qatar” and to “discuss cooperation in the field of armaments,” as stated by the source. However, no further details were provided regarding potential contracts.
The relationship between Paris and Doha has witnessed a closer alignment in recent years. Qatar has played a significant role in facilitating talks between the West and the Taliban, who assumed power in Afghanistan. The Gulf state also aided in evacuation operations following the departure of American forces from Kabul in 2021.
The ministry also highlighted that they have provided logistical support as part of the French military’s reorganization in the Sahel region, particularly in terms of air transport.
This refers to the withdrawal of the French Barkhane force, which had been combating jihadist groups in Mali, at the request of the ruling military council in Bamako in 2022.
Additionally, Lecornu will discuss “regional and international issues” with his counterparts before departing for Iraq. This leg of his tour is expected to underscore France’s commitment to counterterrorism and the fight against drug trafficking.
Subsequently, on Wednesday, the French minister will travel to Erbil, the capital of the autonomous Kurdistan Region of Iraq, where he will be welcomed by former regional President Masoud Barzani.
The minister will emphasize “the historical relationship between Kurdistan and France” and “France’s commitment to the unity of Iraq,” according to his office.
