Egypt, Oman foreign ministers discuss navigation security in Strait of Hormuz

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is currently in Paris for a series of meetings with French leaders to discuss various agreements and potential projects. The visit aims to strengthen ties between the two nations in areas such as transport, health, security, and technology. During his stay, the Crown Prince is expected to meet French President Emmanuel Macron and discuss ways to diversify transport routes for energy and logistics, including maritime routes, pipelines, and regional rail projects.

The Franco-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council will convene for the first time during the visit, with discussions covering technology, transport, energy, and health. The Saudi delegation consists of seven ministers, and the leaders are also set to address conflicts in the Middle East, including Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria, where France is involved in developing energy and logistics projects.

Prince Mohammed's visit comes amid high tensions in the Middle East due to the ongoing war between the US and Iran. He is scheduled to meet French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu on Monday to discuss key bilateral and international issues. Additionally, the leaders will attend the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup in Paris, marking the first time the event is held in the city. The Esports World Cup was first organized in Riyadh in 2023 as part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 project.

Relations between Saudi Arabia and France have been strong, with cultural ties deepened by Paris's involvement in the development of the kingdom's historic AlUla region. The last visit by Prince Mohammed to France was in 2023, during which he met Macron and attended a reception as part of Riyadh's successful bid to host the 2030 Expo. Macron's previous visit to the Kingdom was in 2024.