Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday and Monday during an official visit to France, with discussions expected to focus on developments in the Middle East and closer ties between Paris and Riyadh.
Visit begins with e-sports event
The crown prince and de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia will begin his visit on Sunday by attending the closing ceremony of the E-Sports World Cup, a global video gaming competition that, according to the Élysée Palace, has been staged outside Saudi Arabia for the first time.
The French presidency said the event reflects the two countries' shared ambition to make sport and culture key pillars of their partnership.
Strategic partnership in focus
Macron, who visited Saudi Arabia in December 2024, is expected to use the visit to further strengthen relations with Riyadh.
The two leaders will hold the first meeting of the France-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council.
According to the Élysée, discussions will also cover major economic and strategic issues underpinning bilateral relations.
France and Saudi Arabia have already signed cooperation agreements in areas including defence, aerospace and energy.
Middle East crises on the agenda
The talks are also expected to address major regional challenges as conflicts and instability continue across parts of the Middle East.
The French presidency said the current situation requires close coordination between France and its Gulf partners to promote regional stability.
Ongoing crises in Iran, Yemen and Lebanon are expected to feature prominently in the discussions.
Source: CNA
