Qatar and France sign letter of intent to strengthen digital cooperation

Doha, Qatar witnessed a significant development in digital cooperation as the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) of Qatar and the French Ministry of the Economy, Finance and Industrial, Energy and Digital Sovereignty inked a Letter of Intent. This alliance, signed during the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference 2026, aims to bolster collaboration across various sectors including artificial intelligence, digital transformation, innovation, and emerging technologies.

The agreement was sealed by HE Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Qatar, and HE Anne Le Henaff, the France's Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs. They emphasized the strengthening of bilateral ties, particularly in the face of rapid technological advancements, especially in artificial intelligence, which presents substantial economic and developmental opportunities.

HE Al Mannai expressed optimism about the partnership, stating that the strong ties between the two nations provide a robust basis for developing new partnerships in the communications and information technology sector. He highlighted that this initiative will leverage shared expertise in advanced technologies, digital transformation, innovation, and digital skills development, further fortifying international cooperation.

In a parallel statement, HE Anne Le Henaff echoed the sentiment, noting that the signing of the Letter of Intent aligns with both countries' vision of strategic autonomy in the digital sector. She highlighted their common ambitions, particularly in artificial intelligence - a domain where France advocates for a distinct approach - and quantum technologies.

This agreement not only builds upon the existing bilateral relations between Qatar and France but also paves the way for new technology partnerships that will bolster the digital economy and harness advancements in emerging technologies.