Assistant Minister of Culture Rakan bin Ibrahim Al-Touq has met French Ambassador Ludovic Pouille at the ministry’s Diriyah headquarters. The focus was on enhancing cultural cooperation between Saudi Arabia and France.
Expanding Cultural Collaboration
During their meeting, Al-Touq and Pouille explored various aspects of cultural collaboration. They discussed filmmaking, heritage, museums, and visual arts. Additionally, they examined ways to boost cultural capabilities through training, knowledge exchange, and strategic projects.
Ambassador Pouille’s Farewell
Ludovic Pouille, who has served as the French ambassador to Saudi Arabia since 2020, is ending his diplomatic mission. The 53-year-old diplomat expressed gratitude to Saudi friends, French citizens, and his team for their support during his tenure.
Advancing Bilateral Relations
Pouille’s term saw notable progress in bilateral relations. Significant events included President Emmanuel Macron’s visit in December 2021 and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visits to France in July 2022 and June 2023. These visits strengthened dialogue and cooperation.
Surge in Bilateral Trade
Bilateral trade between France and Saudi Arabia has flourished. In 2023, trade reached €9.5 billion ($10.2 billion), marking an 18% increase since 2016 when Saudi Vision 2030 was launched. French exports, especially in aeronautics, have grown significantly.
Alignment with Vision 2030
French direct investment in Saudi Arabia totals nearly $5 billion, primarily in energy and industrial sectors. Major French companies like EDF, Engie, and TotalEnergies have played a crucial role in the Saudi economy. Pouille highlighted how these partnerships align with Vision 2030 and praised the transformative impact of the initiative on Saudi Arabia’s global standing.
