Deepening the Franco-Saudi partnership

The French flag is fluttering alongside the Saudi flag in Riyadh during French President Emmanuel Macron’s ongoing three-day state visit to Saudi Arabia. As the highest level of diplomatic engagement, this visit reflects the strong ties between the two nations and the close rapport between Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
By visiting a nation in the midst of significant change and which is a key player in a volatile region, the French president seeks to solidify France’s influence in an area critical to addressing global challenges.
Through a series of meetings with the crown prince, Macron aims to build on his prior experience with the Kingdom, including its pivotal role in brokering a ceasefire in Lebanon, to deepen trust between the two nations and address the pressing crises affecting the region. Against the backdrop of global instability, and just weeks ahead of the return of Donald Trump to the US presidency, this visit also provides an opportunity to shape the vision for a unique, multifaceted partnership between Riyadh and Paris.
Sources within the French presidency have described Macron’s third visit to Saudi Arabia since taking office at the Elysee Palace as “exceptional,” highlighting its unique context and critical themes. This return to one of France’s historic allies comes at a time of significant local transformation since his brief second visit in 2021 and amid heightened regional instability following the events of Oct. 7, 2023.
The goal of revitalizing Franco-Saudi strategic relations is to lay the foundation for “a shared and renewed ambition” over the next decade, guided by a joint action plan aligned with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, according to the Elysee. Under the leadership of the crown prince, this vision is steering Saudi Arabia toward economic transformation and increased openness. France aims to leverage this opportunity to reaffirm its support for and active participation in this ambitious initiative.
Bilateral coordination will focus on key projects and events hosted by Saudi Arabia, such as the 2030 World Expo and the 2029 Asian Winter Games, creating opportunities for both nations to collaborate and invest in these ambitious initiatives.

France aims to leverage this opportunity to reaffirm its support for and active participation in the ambitious Vision 2030 initiative.

Khattar Abou Diab

Paris aims to solidify “France’s position as a key and reliable partner for Saudi Arabia,” supporting the Kingdom’s vision for economic diversification as well as its cultural and tourism ambitions.
It considers the pioneering development project in AlUla, in which France plays a key role, as “an example of what the two nations can accomplish together.”
For both sides, the volatile international situation and ongoing regional crises offer an opportunity to “advance peace and security initiatives within the region and beyond, while tackling global challenges.” On the political agenda, discussions will address urgent issues such as the crises in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen and Syria, alongside broader regional tensions.
On the Gaza conflict, Paris commends Riyadh’s efforts through the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, as well as its initiative to establish an international coalition for the creation of a Palestinian state and the two-state solution. Discussions will center on working with Saudi Arabia to secure a ceasefire in Gaza “as soon as possible,” facilitate the release of hostages, protect civilians and ultimately chart a path toward a political resolution to the war. Paris also views the ceasefire in Lebanon as a potential lever to support a ceasefire in Gaza.
Undoubtedly, the Lebanese crisis will be a focal point of the discussions. The focus will be on facilitating the election of a president to end the leadership vacuum and ensuring the formation of a stable government. Both nations are expected to align their efforts within the framework of the five-member committee — alongside the US, Egypt and Qatar — to address Lebanon’s ongoing constitutional crisis.
France seeks to work closely with Saudi Arabia, as the Elysee sources have noted, “to reinforce the ceasefire, provide support to the Lebanese army and focus on advancing the reconstruction process.”
On a broader level, the talks between the crown prince and President Macron will focus on promoting “regional stability.” Talks between the two leaders will focus on enhancing “cooperation in key strategic areas,” such as defense, security, energy transition and connectivity.
This trip is unlikely to yield any major arms contracts, despite the notable presence of senior defense officials in the French delegation tied to key projects such as the Rafale fighter jet, surveillance satellites and A400M military transport aircraft.
The discussions will go beyond these sectors, according to an Elysee source, who noted: “Talks will also explore future investment opportunities in areas such as fintech, cyberspace and artificial intelligence, especially with France set to host the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit next February.”
Macron’s packed schedule highlights the importance of this visit at a crucial time for both partners.

• Khattar Abou Diab is a French-Lebanese political scientist specializing in Islam and the Middle East, and director of the “Conseil Géopolitique — Perspectives.” X: @abou_diab