DOHA QATAR plays an active role in the region — in Libya, where France and Qatar enjoyed a high level of cooperation and in Syria where the Qatari authorities are trying to find a way to stop the bloodshed. Being in a region, and inside a country, which plays an active role towards change, is a big experience. Those were the thoughts Ambassador of France to Qatar HE Jean- Christophe Peaucelle shared with Qatar Tribune in a free-wheeling exclusive interview.
“I have spent the better part of my career in the region, in Jerusalem, Tehran, Istanbul, and in the Middle East department in Paris, but things are different when you are on the spot, where things are actually happening, especially after the turmoil and changes that nobody imagined,” he said.
According to HE Peaucelle, it is a complex region: “the more you know about it the more you know that you don’t know.” The countries of the region are trying to balance modernity and cultural identity, the ambassador felt. “I think Qatar is a good example. Qatari authorities are trying to pave the way for the future without losing their identity.” Describing French-Qatari relations as better than good, the ambassador qualified his comment saying, “Our relations cover dialogue on all international subjects, on defence and security, economic cooperation that is growing rapidly, and education.” On the expected Qatari role in Mali, the French ambassador said, “Qatar can play a very useful role in Mali. It has experience in diplomacy, mediation and has financial power.”
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