Riyadh, December 4, 2024 – The Europe Today: French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed a strategic partnership on Monday aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and addressing key conflicts in the Middle East. The agreement underscores cooperation in defense, energy transition, culture, and mobility while emphasizing efforts to de-escalate regional tensions, including in Lebanon.
The French president arrived in Riyadh for a three-day state visit amidst a political crisis at home, with his government facing a potential vote of no confidence. Upon landing, Macron was greeted by an honor guard and ceremonial cannon fire, symbolizing the warm relations between France and Saudi Arabia.
Following their meeting, Macron’s office released a statement highlighting the leaders’ shared commitment to fostering stability in the Middle East. They called for urgent presidential elections in Lebanon, framing them as critical to uniting the Lebanese people and implementing necessary reforms for the country’s stability and security.
The partnership also aims to consolidate a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, building on France’s recent mediation efforts. Discussions included Saudi Arabia’s support for the Lebanese army, deployed along the border with Israel but facing challenges due to limited resources.
Macron’s visit coincides with heightened tensions in Syria, where anti-government rebels have captured Aleppo, and ongoing conflict in Gaza. France and Saudi Arabia jointly reiterated their call for a Gaza ceasefire and a political resolution based on the two-state solution.
Expanding Economic and Strategic Cooperation
Macron was accompanied by a delegation of senior officials from leading French companies such as TotalEnergies, EDF, and Veolia, as well as representatives from AI and quantum technology startups. The two nations aim to “significantly strengthen” economic ties, with discussions also underway for Saudi Arabia to purchase French-made Rafale fighter jets.
This visit marks the first by a French president to Saudi Arabia since Jacques Chirac in 2006, reflecting the close relationship between the two countries. In 2021, Macron was among the first Western leaders to meet Prince Mohammed after the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Regional Implications
The strategic dialogue also tackled Saudi Arabia’s evolving role in the region. The Kingdom has paused discussions with the U.S. on recognizing Israel, reiterating its position that normalization would only follow the establishment of a Palestinian state.
With Lebanon’s political and economic crises, Riyadh and Paris aim to reverse its disintegration and foster regional stability. Macron’s broader agenda includes securing Saudi support for initiatives that align with France’s vision of a more cohesive Middle East.
The visit underscores the growing importance of France-Saudi relations as both countries navigate complex geopolitical landscapes, positioning themselves as key players in efforts to address regional conflicts and promote sustainable economic growth.
