Saudi Crown Prince visits France to sign deals and discuss Strait of Hormuz

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is in Paris for a visit aimed at signing deals and discussing strategies to mitigate risks to the Strait of Hormuz. The timing of his trip is significant, as the region is experiencing heightened tensions due to ongoing conflicts, notably the US-Iran war.

During his stay, Prince Mohammed is set to meet French President Emmanuel Macron, marking the first meeting of the Franco-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council. This council will oversee the signing of agreements covering various sectors, including technology, transport, energy, and health.

The discussions are expected to revolve around diversifying transport routes for energy and logistics, with a particular focus on maritime routes, as well as exploring alternative pipeline and regional rail projects. Both leaders will also tackle conflicts in the Middle East, including those involving Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria, areas where France is actively involved in promoting energy and logistics projects.

Meanwhile, Prince Mohammed is scheduled to meet with French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu later in the week. They will discuss key bilateral and international issues, ranging from economic matters to security concerns and diplomatic relations.

In addition to official meetings, the leaders will attend the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup, an event first held in Paris in 2023 as part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 project. This marks a unique blend of high-stakes diplomacy and cultural exchange, showcasing the depth of relations between Saudi Arabia and France.