Amid tensions with Iran, Qatar looks to Franco-German ties to prevent conflict

At the Global Security Forum in Doha, Qatar’s Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Sheikh Saoud Al Thani, cited Franco-German rapprochement as a model for preventing future conflict with Iran. He recalled how France and Germany built economic ties after decades of conflict, mentioning Airbus and cooperation associated with Charles de Gaulle and Konrad Adenauer. Al Thani urged regional players to pursue dialogue and a regional agreement, noting that Iran is Qatar’s neighbour. Doha also has an interest in Gulf stability to safeguard its energy infrastructure and economic activity.