French President Emmanuel Macron concluded a significant three-day state visit to Saudi Arabia, marked by the signing of a strategic partnership with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This new agreement aims to significantly deepen bilateral ties across various sectors, including defense, energy transition, culture, and mobility. The partnership comes at a crucial juncture, with both France and the Middle East facing significant challenges.
The visit’s timing is particularly noteworthy. Macron’s arrival in Riyadh coincided with a brewing political crisis in France, where his government faces a potential vote of no confidence. The far-right National Rally party, along with the left-wing, have initiated a motion that could oust Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government as early as Wednesday, stemming from the government’s use of an executive order to pass a budget bill without parliamentary approval. This internal political instability adds a layer of complexity to Macron’s diplomatic efforts abroad.
Beyond the domestic political landscape, Macron’s visit is deeply intertwined with the volatile geopolitical situation in the Middle East. The French president and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman explicitly focused on de-escalation efforts in the region, including Lebanon, where a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is in place. Both leaders issued a joint call for presidential elections in Lebanon, emphasizing the need for national unity and reforms to restore stability and security.
The visit also coincides with escalating violence in Syria, where anti-government rebels have seized Aleppo. This adds further urgency to Macron’s efforts to stabilize the region. France has been actively involved in brokering ceasefires in the area and is actively seeking a broader resolution to the conflicts. Macron’s engagement with Saudi Arabia seeks to leverage the Kingdom’s influence on regional actors, specifically with regards to supporting the Lebanese army in maintaining the border with Israel and to address the deep economic and political crisis plaguing the country.
Macron’s visit is the first by a French president to Saudi Arabia since 2006, signifying a renewed commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. This relationship, described by the French presidency as ‘very close’, has seen renewed efforts since Macron’s 2021 meeting with Prince Mohammed, which was notable given the context of the 2018 murder of Jamal Khashoggi. This visit showcases a pragmatic approach to foreign policy, balancing strategic interests with human rights concerns.
The economic dimension of the partnership is substantial. A delegation of approximately 50 senior officials from major French companies, including energy giants TotalEnergies and EDF, and innovative tech firms focused on AI and quantum physics, accompanied Macron. This reflects a concerted effort to significantly strengthen economic ties between France and Saudi Arabia. While no official announcement was made during the visit, discussions regarding the potential sale of French Rafale fighter jets to Saudi Arabia are ongoing.
Finally, the strategic partnership underscores the complex interplay of regional politics and international relations. Amidst the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, both France and Saudi Arabia are advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza and a two-state solution. Saudi Arabia’s current stance on recognizing Israel, a key issue in its relationship with the United States, is also relevant to the broader discussion. Macron’s visit signals France’s continuing diplomatic engagement in a region vital to global security and economic stability.
