Saudi crown prince, French president issue joint statement to boost strategic partnership

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron met in Paris to strengthen their strategic partnership. During their two-day visit in August 2026, they reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation on regional and global issues. Both leaders emphasized the importance of addressing challenges together while maintaining mutual respect and trust.

The visit saw the co-chairing of the inaugural meeting of the Saudi-French Strategic Partnership Council, marking the beginning of new initiatives to deepen cooperation in various fields. Both sides stressed the significance of stability in the Middle East, upholding state sovereignty, and resolving conflicts through political and diplomatic means.

A declaration was adopted to boost defense cooperation, highlighting the strong economic ties between the two nations. Bilateral trade had reached $11.8 billion in 2025, with mutual interests in energy, oil, petrochemicals, renewables, nuclear energy, clean hydrogen, climate issues, and emerging technologies. A memorandum of understanding was signed between Qiddiya Investment Company and France to develop a major global destination in Cergy-Pontoise, with an investment of up to 6 billion euros.

The two leaders also agreed to establish a financial framework to support French projects in Saudi Arabia and to strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and capacity building. They reaffirmed their commitment to cooperating in AlUla, extending their partnership there until 2035. The Esports World Cup in Paris was praised as a success, and France's participation in Expo 2030 Riyadh was welcomed.

Several agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed during the visit, covering areas such as defense, health, emerging technologies, and entertainment, further solidifying the strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and France.