Macron hosts Saudi's crown prince for contested visit

French President Emmanuel Macron hailed the visit of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman as a significant step for the bilateral relationship between the two nations, emphasizing their shared dedication to peace and stability amidst regional challenges. In a statement on X, Macron affirmed that France and Saudi Arabia have consistently collaborated to advance peace and stability, vowing to continue their consultations in this regard.

Macron highlighted the partnership between Riyadh and Paris as encompassing concrete cooperation across major projects, advanced technologies, investment, and international events, with the Esports World Cup in Paris serving as a prime example. He stated that considerable progress has already been made, but there is potential for further enhancement.

The Crown Prince's official visit to France, initiated by Macron's invitation, aims to bolster cooperation across political, economic, and strategic domains. The two leaders engaged in closing ceremonies of the Esports World Cup in Paris on Sunday, followed by a comprehensive agenda of discussions on Monday. The event, held for the first time in Paris, underscores the Saudi-French ambition to leverage sports and culture to strengthen ties.

On Monday, Macron is slated to formally welcome the Crown Prince at the Élysée Palace, where they will engage in bilateral talks prior to convening the inaugural meeting of the Saudi-French Strategic Partnership Council. Established post-Macron's state visit to Saudi Arabia in December 2024, the council seeks to serve as a high-level forum for expanding cooperation in various spheres, including political, economic, cultural, technological, and strategic fields.

During the visit, it is anticipated that multiple agreements will be inked in sectors such as health, transport, and energy, while key economic and strategic matters, including energy, aviation, and defense, will be deliberated. The talks are also poised to concentrate on regional dynamics amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with discussions expected to encompass issues like the Strait of Hormuz and strategies for diversifying energy supply and transport routes, including maritime corridors, regional rail networks, and alternative pipeline projects.

Furthermore, Lebanon, Syria, and the Palestinian issue are anticipated to be among the topics addressed during the deliberations. The Crown Prince's journey to France marks his third visit to the country in recent years, following previous visits in July 2022 and June 2023. Meanwhile, Macron previously undertook a state visit to Saudi Arabia in December 2024.