With Emmanuel Macron's visit to Riyadh, France and Saudi Arabia promise to increase bilateral cooperation

On the first of three days of Emmanuel Macron's state visit to Saudi Arabia, the crown prince of the kingdom, Mohammed Ben Salman, did not hide the ambitions of the two countries in their desire to increase their collaboration. “Energy transition, defense, mobility, culture and much more: we are going to increase our cooperation in all areas”, said the de facto leader of this powerful regional player on the X network on Monday, December 2, following an interview and dinner with the French president.

This strategic partnership announced for Emmanuel Macron's third trip to Saudi Arabia since 2017 confirms a “very dense relationship”, the strong man of the kingdom, a time outcast after the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Türkiye, having responded with three official visits to France.

The presidential visit will have an important economic component on Tuesday as Saudi Arabia, the world's largest crude exporter, has embarked on accelerated diversification to face post-oil potential. Both countries aim to “reinforce significantly” their economic exchanges which are not “at the height of common ambitions”underlined the Elysée. The Head of State will be accompanied by around fifty bosses of large French groups (TotalEnergies, EDF, Veolia, etc.) and start-ups (Pasqal, Alan, Mistral, etc.).

The leaders of the defense groups Dassault, Thalès and Naval Group will also be present. Discussions are underway for the acquisition of Rafale fighter jets by Saudi Arabia.

“Vision 2030”, the vast program launched by the crown prince

The two countries want to initiate cooperation in all sectors of the future, from the energy transition to artificial intelligence, in line with the crown prince's vast “Vision 2030” program, aimed at the modernization of society and the Saudi economy. The two leaders are notably “agreed to work together” in the preparation of the Summit on Artificial Intelligence which will take place in February in Paris, specifies the Elysée in a press release.

France is also a key partner of Riyadh in cultural and tourism matters, with the development of a $20 billion megaproject around the oasis and archaeological site of Al-Ula, north of Medina. Emmanuel Macron will attend the One Water Summit on water management in Riyadh before joining Al-Ula on Wednesday with the French Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati.

In the current geopolitical context, it was impossible for the two leaders not to discuss the situation in the Middle East. Emmanuel Macron and Mohammed Ben Salman are like this “agreed to make every effort to contribute to de-escalation in the region” of the Middle East, shaken by several conflicts, underlined the Elysée.

“They together called for the holding of a presidential election in Lebanon with the aim of bringing together the Lebanese and carrying out the reforms necessary for stability and security”adds the presidential press release.

Implement “a ceasefire without further delay in Gaza”

Emmanuel Macron and Mohammed Ben Salman also said they would “continue diplomatic efforts” to consolidate the ceasefire, co-sponsored by the United States and France, between Israel and the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah. Emmanuel Macron hopes for Saudi support for the Lebanese army, which is redeploying on the border with Israel but lacks resources, and for the resolution of the political crisis which is shaking Lebanon, without a president for more than two years. But the kingdom, long influential in Lebanon, has disengaged in recent years in the face of political chaos and the growing weight of Hezbollah and could take time to return.

The president and the crown prince also insisted on a ” priority “, “the establishment of a ceasefire without further delay in Gaza”after the truce declared in Lebanon.

Saudi Arabia, home to Islam's holiest sites, is engaged in talks with Washington to normalize relations with Israel and grant US security guarantees. But in mid-September, the crown prince ruled out recognition of Israel before the “creation of a Palestinian state”alongside that of Israel. Both Paris and Riyadh are pushing for “two-state solution”rejected by the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.

Emmanuel Macron, strong on his role in the ceasefire in Lebanon, intends to strengthen France's influence in the region before the return of Republican Donald Trump to the White House. He also hopes to regain the international margin of maneuver that he has lost on the domestic scene since the dissolution in June.