Doha:The Middle East Council on Global Affairs and the French Institute in Qatar have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in research, intellectual dialogue, and cultural and knowledge exchange. This agreement aims to strengthen connections among researchers and academic and cultural communities in Qatar, France, and the broader region. According to Qatar News Agency, the MoU was formalized by Dr. Khalid Al Jaber, Executive Director of the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, and Dr. Chrystelle Schaegis, Director of the French Institute in Qatar. The signing ceremony was attended by His Excellency French Ambassador to Qatar, Arnaud Pescheux. Dr. Al Jaber emphasized that the partnership is based on a mutual belief in the importance of intellectual and cultural dialogue to foster understanding and progress in various fields. The cooperation will encompass seminars, lectures, workshops, and training programs. Ambassador Pescheux noted that France and Qatar have a long history of cultural and intellectual exchange, and the partnership between these institutions is a natural continuation of that commitment. He highlighted that this collaboration would open new opportunities for research, education, and cultural exchange. Dr. Schaegis stated that the MoU would expand cooperation across scientific, academic, educational, linguistic, and cultural domains, which are vital to cultural diplomacy and align with the French Institute's mission. She mentioned a forthcoming intellectual event scheduled for November 2026, which will gather prominent thinkers and intellectuals to explore new dialogue pathways.