French President arrives Saudi Arabia for three-day visit, pushes for stronger ties with Riyadh
French President Emmanuel Macron (L) walks next to Saudi's Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Salman (C) ahead of their meeting in Riyadh on December 2, 2024. Macron touched down in Riyadh, the capital of the oil-rich Gulf kingdom, where he was due to hold talks with de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman later on December 2, an AFP journalist said. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / POOL / AFP)
French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in Riyadh on Monday evening for an official three-day visit aimed at bolstering ties between France and Saudi Arabia.
Macron was welcomed at Al-Yamamah Palace by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who introduced him to key Saudi ministers during an official reception ceremony. The two leaders later held expanded talks to discuss areas of mutual interest, including water resource sustainability and broader cooperation.
Also Read: Oman to withdraw selected currency denominations by end of December
Earlier, Macron was received at King Khalid International Airport by Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region, along with Commerce Minister Majid Al-Qasabi and Riyadh Mayor Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf. Saudi and French ambassadors Fahd bin Mayouf Al-Ruwaili and Patrick Maisonnave were also present.
Discussions will heavily focus on various aspects, especially the Gaza conflict. Following the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, the Palestinian territory has faced relentless Israeli airstrikes, resulting in one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the world.
“Both nations share common ground on Gaza,” an Elysee spokesperson said. “We are aligned in our urgent call for an immediate ceasefire in the region.”
The talks will also encompass broader regional security concerns, according to French officials.
“Syrian developments must be addressed given their impact on regional stability,” the Elysee said.
