Qatar, France sign Rafale fighter jet deal

DOHA

Qatar and France have signed an agreement for the sale of 24 French Rafale fighter jets to the Qatari army.

The signing ceremony was attended by visiting French President Francois Hollande and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the state-run QNA news agency reported.

The two leaders held talks earlier in the day, during which they discussed bilateral ties and regional and international issues of mutual interest, the broadcaster said.

In a joint statement, the two sides expressed their desire for enhanced defense and security cooperation.

"The agreement… emphasizes Qatar's choice of France as strategic partner in the defense sphere," the release added.

Hollande arrived earlier in the day at Hamad International Airport for a brief visit to hold talks with the Qatari leader and attend the signing ceremony.

The French presidency said late last month that Sheikh Tamim had requested the planes during a recent visit to the French capital.

Qatar is now the third international buyer – after Egypt and India – of the French military aircraft. The Gulf state already owns 12 Mirage 2000s, an older French combat aircraft.

Hollande is expected to fly later to Saudi Arabia for a Tuesday summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), where he will be the guest of honor.