Qatar, France ink cooperation deals despite ongoing Gulf crisis

DOHA, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Qatar emir met with visiting French president here on Thursday and inked cooperation deals despite ongoing Gulf crisis, Qatari-based Al Jazeera reported.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who arrived in Doha on Thursday, and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani held a joint press conference following their meeting, and announced the signing of agreements and deals worth 12 billion euros (14.14 billion U.S. dollars), including the purchase of 12 French-made Dassault Rafale fighter jets.

Commenting on the Gulf crisis, Macron said it was especially disappointing that neighboring states had cut off ties with Qatar during the holy month of Ramadan in June.

"The dignity and the sovereignty of Qatar are above everything. If our brothers want to resolve this crisis, then we are ready on a basis that is clear and feasible to everyone," the French president said.

During his one-day trip in Qatar, Macron will also visit the French troops stationed in the country at the Al-Udeid air base, which is also the home to some 10,000 U.S. troops.

On June 5, Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates started their boycott, severing diplomatic ties with Qatar and accusing Doha of supporting extremists and maintaining too close relations with Iran.

Qatar denies all the allegations. Enditem