Macron to host Saudi crown prince for talks on Middle East, energy

French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for a two-day visit starting on Sunday, according to a French presidential official. The agenda for the visit encompasses a wide range of topics, from esports to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. On the second day, Monday, several agreements on health, transport, and energy are expected to be signed.

The visit kicks off on Sunday evening with a unique twist - Macron hosting the Saudi leader at the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup, an event held outside Saudi Arabia for the first time. The next day, Monday, Macron and MBS will chair the first meeting of the Saudi-French strategic partnership council to discuss critical regional issues.

These discussions come in a backdrop demanding close coordination between France and its Gulf partners to promote stability and peace in the Middle East, according to Macron's office.