French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Qatar on Saturday after meeting regional leaders at the COP28 in Dubai, with discussions expected to focus on the hostages held by Hamas, according to an Elysée Palace official.
The French president will also hold talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Israeli President Isaac Herzog on the sidelines of the climate summit in Dubai.
Macron’s visit to Israel, the West Bank, Egypt and Jordan last month was marred by controversy when the president suggested creating a international coalition to defeat Hamas, an idea which rang alarm bells in Arab nations.
Macron will be flying to the United Arab Emirates Thursday to meet regional leaders before kicking off his COP28 program Friday afternoon.
In Doha, the French president is expected to press Qatar to seek the liberation of more hostages who are being held by Hamas since the October 7 attacks on Israel. Qatar has been playing a mediation role with Hamas leaders and recently brokered a six-day ceasefire.
On Thursday, Israel and Hamas agreed to extend the ceasefire by another day.
Five French citizens are still believed to be held by Hamas, after three French teenagers were released earlier this week.