Doha, September 29 (QNA) - The Middle East Council on Global Affairs and the French Institute in Qatar signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) Tuesday to expand cooperation in research, intellectual dialogue, and cultural and knowledge exchange, and strengthen ties among researchers and academic and cultural communities across Qatar, France and the wider region.

The MoU was signed by Executive Director of the Middle East Council on Global Affairs Dr. Khalid Al Jaber and Director of the French Institute in Qatar Dr. Chrystelle Schaegis, in the presence of HE French Ambassador to Qatar Arnaud Pescheux.

Dr. Al Jaber said the partnership is rooted in a shared belief in the power of intellectual and cultural dialogue to foster mutual understanding and advance progress across various fields. The cooperation will include seminars, lectures, workshops and training programs, he added.

HE Ambassador Pescheux said France and Qatar share longstanding ties in cultural and intellectual exchange, describing the partnership between the two institutions as a natural extension of that enduring commitment. He added that it would create new opportunities for research, education and cultural exchange in the years ahead.

For her part, Schaegis said the MoU would broaden cooperation across scientific, academic, educational, linguistic and cultural fields, which she described as central to cultural diplomacy and integral to the French Institute's mission and expertise.

She pointed to an upcoming intellectual evening planned for November 2026, which will bring together prominent thinkers and intellectuals to explore new avenues for dialogue. (QNA)