Macron and Bin Salman Meet in Paris to Strengthen Strategic Partnership and Discuss Middle East Stability

Macron and Bin Salman Meet in Paris to Strengthen Strategic Partnership and Discuss Middle East Stability

French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting the Crown Prince and de facto leader of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), for a two-day official visit in Paris. The agenda combines international security diplomacy with strategic economic agreements.

The official schedule kicked off on Sunday evening (August 23) at the Grand Palais, where the leaders attended the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup together. This initiative, driven by the Saudi government, held its final phase outside Riyadh for the first time, choosing the French capital as its host city.

On Monday (August 24), the heads of state will co-chair the inaugural meeting of the Franco-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council. Discussions will center on diplomatic coordination in the face of ongoing conflicts and severe geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, emphasizing a joint pursuit of regional stability.

Additionally, the summit is expected to feature the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation agreements across various sectors—notably energy, transport, and health—reiterating the pragmatism and strength of economic relations between Paris and Riyadh.