Saudi-French Relations Reach New Heights as Countries Work Together to Address Global Issues
Saudi Crown Prince HRH Mohammed bin Salman visited Paris on June 14, 2023, for an official visit. During his visit, he met with French President HE Emmanuel Macron to discuss the repercussions of the economic, climate, and energy crises and their implications, especially in developing countries.
The two leaders also discussed ways to propose financial solutions to these crises for discussion.
The visit comes at a time of growing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and France on a number of issues, including energy, climate change, and regional security. The two countries have also been working together to reform the international financial system.
Reasons for the Meeting
The meeting between the Saudi Crown Prince HRH Mohammed bin Salman and HE French President Macron was an opportunity to address the challenges of the current stage and to work jointly for global peace, regional stability, and transformation in the fields of energy and mitigating the effects of climate change.
Each side seeks to achieve a qualitative leap towards enhancing bilateral relations and the volume of trade, in addition to working towards sustainable calming of conflicts, especially in the Middle East region, and contributing to crystallizing common alternatives for development, poverty reduction, and the climate crisis.
The Visit’s Significance
The visit is significant for a number of reasons. First, it demonstrates the growing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and France on a number of issues.
Second, it sends a message of unity and cooperation in the face of the challenges facing the world.
Third, it provides an opportunity for the two countries to discuss ways to reform the international financial system.
The Future of Saudi-French Relations
It seems that Saudi-French relations will gain a new dimension in the current and coming period, given the regional and international changes, and the necessity for consultation and coordination between both sides, especially since they have harmony or intersection regarding many files, whether global or Middle Eastern.
The bilateral summit between HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and HE President Macron, and the expanded meeting between the Saudi and French delegations, was an opportunity to address the challenges of the stage and to work jointly for global peace, regional stability, and transformation in the fields of energy and mitigating the effects of climate change.
Each side seeks to achieve a qualitative leap towards enhancing bilateral relations and the volume of trade, in addition to working towards sustainable calming of conflicts, especially in the Middle East region, and contributing to crystallizing common alternatives for development, poverty reduction, and the climate crisis.
Diverse Results of the Meeting Between the Saudi Crown Prince and French President
The meeting between HRH Crown Prince and the French President was significant for a number of reasons.
First, it demonstrated the growing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and France on a number of issues, including energy, climate change, and regional security.
Second, it sent a message of unity and cooperation in the face of the challenges facing the world, such as the Russian-Ukrainian war and the Lebanese crisis.
Third, it provided an opportunity for the two countries to discuss ways to reform the international financial system.
Political Level
The two parties worked on coordination in many political files during this meeting, the most prominent of which are:
- The Russian-Ukrainian War: President Macron asked Riyadh to make a special effort with Russian President Putin to stop the war. The two parties agreed to further coordination to find “a way out of the conflict and to intensify cooperation to reduce the impact of the war in Europe, the Middle East, and the rest of the world.”
- The Crisis in Lebanon: The two parties emphasized the need to quickly end Lebanon’s political and institutional vacuum. It appears that the two parties have gone beyond the previous labels and proposals, and have emphasized “not allowing the situation in Lebanon to escalate and pressuring to find a rescue solution.”
- Broader Regional Level: The two parties expressed their “mutual commitment to security and stability in the Middle East and the Levant, and stressed their desire to continue coordinating their efforts to achieve a permanent calming of conflicts.” However, they did not address specific files such as Syria’s return to the Arab League or Iranian policy in the region.
Economic Level
The economic dimension was dominant, as the Saudi and French parties agreed to “develop and deepen the partnership” between them. President Macron drew attention to his keenness to reaffirm the desire of French companies to keep pace with the Kingdom in its ambitious projects within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030.”
Cultural Cooperation
The joint statement also mentioned the close cultural cooperation between the two sides, from the historical site of AlUla to teaching the French language, vocational and digital training, and scientific research.
Saudi Diplomacy towards France
Saudi Arabia and France have a long history of close relations, dating back to the early 20th century. These relations have been based on shared interests in security, trade, and culture. In recent years, the relationship has become increasingly strategic, as the two countries have worked together to address regional challenges such as the war in Yemen and the Iranian nuclear program.
The latest visit by HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman to France in June 2023 was a sign of the strength of the bilateral relationship. During the visit, the two sides discussed a wide range of issues, including energy, security, and investment. They also announced the establishment of a new strategic partnership council, which will aim to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
The visit by HRH Saudi Crown Prince was also significant because it came at a time when France is playing a leading role in the international community.
The French government has been a strong advocate for a diplomatic solution to the war in Ukraine, and it is also working to address the global food crisis.
The Saudi government is interested in working with France on these and other issues, and the visit by HRH the Crown Prince was an opportunity to discuss how the two countries can cooperate to address the challenges of the 21st century.
The Saudi-French relationship is based on a foundation of shared interests and values. Both countries are committed to the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
They are also both major players in the global economy, and they have a strong interest in working together to promote trade and investment.
The relationship between Saudi Arabia and France is a valuable asset for both countries. It is a relationship that is based on trust and cooperation, and it is a relationship that is likely to continue to grow and strengthen in the years to come.
Increasing French Role
French President Emmanuel Macron is seeking to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia in order to address the energy crisis that is negatively affecting growth in France and the European Union.
Paris is concerned about the decision by OPEC to reduce oil production by 2.5 million barrels per day, as this will increase pressure on France due to the suspension of Russian oil supplies. France has already suffered from the consequences of the energy shortage, and long queues were seen at petrol stations in the past period.
Although France has diversified its sources of energy by signing agreements with Algeria, Qatar, and other countries, the tension in Algerian-French relations has led Paris to turn to Riyadh as a new solution to the protracted energy crisis.
Mark Lovagney, an expert in Middle Eastern affairs, stated that “Macron is looking for foreign investors to help France in the current crisis, and Paris seeks to secure foreign markets.”
The French Minister of Economy and Finance, Bruno Le Maire, has been frank in confirming that “the Gulf Cooperation Council states play a decisive role in the transition to clean energy.”
He added, “The old world in the Gulf region meant oil, but the image of the new world for Gulf countries is an intensive investment for clean energy and combating global warming.”
It appears that Macron wants to present his country as being at the forefront of countries seeking to achieve the environmental leap and a green carbon-free economy. France wants to enhance French partnerships with Gulf countries to work together in confronting the consequences of global warming, especially since Gulf countries have huge natural resources and financial resources to move towards a green economy.
In conclusion, there is a suitable regional and global atmosphere for establishing a strategic alliance between Saudi Arabia and France.
This will give both countries strategic weight that can be utilized to balance their relationship with the United States, in general, and in the region, in particular.
In addition, the conditions currently prevailing in the Middle East, and France’s changing directions towards its alliances in the region, open the door to this alliance. However, it remains dependent on the political will of both parties, how much they appreciate their interests, and the suitability of the time to form such an alliance.
Saudi World Expo 2030 Bid Gains Momentum
Saudi Arabia is vying to host the World Expo 2030, and its bid is gaining momentum. The Saudi Crown Prince HRH Mohammed bin Salman attended a reception in Paris to promote Riyadh’s candidacy, on the sidelines of his visit.
The reception was hosted by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, and it was attended by representatives of 179 member states of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the organization responsible for the World Expo.
The event showcased Riyadh’s potential as a host city, highlighting its historical and cultural depth, it’s political and economic standing, and its “distinctive geographical location and outstanding infrastructure.”
Guests were taken on a virtual journey through “Riyadh in 2030,” starting at King Salman International Airport and then moving on to landmarks and major projects in the city, including the Riyadh Sports Boulevard, King Salman Park, Diriyah Gate, and Qiddiya.
The proposed date for Riyadh Expo is from October 1, 2030, until the end of March 2031. This would coincide with Christmas, the Chinese New Year, and the holy month of Ramadan, as well as the centenary of the BIE.
Riyadh Expo would be held on an area of 6 million square meters, just five minutes from King Khalid International Airport. The design would be like a futuristic city around an ancient valley, reflecting the Kingdom’s vision of leading a sustainable future for cities.
Riyadh submitted its Expo 2030 file amid a genuine desire to invite the world to participate in shaping the future through 41 million actual visits to the site, and more than a billion visits through a unique platform, Metaverse.
The city of Riyadh is also working on developing six metro lines that cover the city and are connected to the Expo site and the airport. It is also working on increasing the capacity of King Salman International Airport to 150 million passengers by 2030.
Another supportive factor for Riyadh’s bid is the establishment of Riyadh Airlines to connect 100 destinations around the world by 2030. The city has also launched 68 initiatives with $92 billion in investments to make Riyadh one of the most sustainable cities in the world.
The reception in Paris was an important step in Riyadh’s bid to host Expo 2030. It showed the world the city’s potential as a host city and its commitment to sustainability. The next step will be the BIE’s general assembly vote in November, where the final decision will be made.
