Macron Hosts Mohammed bin Salman as Economy, Defence and the Middle East Top the Agenda
World
French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for a two-day visit to France. The talks cover economic cooperation, energy, aviation, defence and key regional security issues.
France and Saudi Arabia are expected to sign a number of agreements covering healthcare, transport and energy. The two leaders will also chair the first meeting of the Franco-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council, designed to strengthen coordination on political, economic and security matters.
The visit began on August 23 with the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup in Paris, attended by Macron and Mohammed bin Salman. The tournament, established in 2024, was held outside Saudi Arabia for the first time. French officials have presented its hosting in Paris as evidence of the country’s appeal as a venue for major international sporting events and as part of growing cooperation with Saudi Arabia in sports and culture.
The main political talks are scheduled for August 24. The leaders are expected to discuss developments in the Middle East and other regional issues, including closer coordination between France and its Gulf partners. Energy, defence and aerospace are also among the key areas on the agenda.
The visit comes as Paris and Riyadh continue to deepen ties following years of international criticism of Saudi Arabia over the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. France has since resumed high-level engagement with the Saudi leadership, reflecting the kingdom’s importance as an economic and regional partner.
Saudi Arabia is also expanding its role in the global sports industry. The kingdom is preparing to host Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, while the Esports World Cup in Paris has become another element of growing French-Saudi cooperation in sports and culture.
The visit began on August 23 with the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup in Paris, attended by Macron and Mohammed bin Salman. The tournament, established in 2024, was held outside Saudi Arabia for the first time. French officials have presented its hosting in Paris as evidence of the country’s appeal as a venue for major international sporting events and as part of growing cooperation with Saudi Arabia in sports and culture.
The main political talks are scheduled for August 24. The leaders are expected to discuss developments in the Middle East and other regional issues, including closer coordination between France and its Gulf partners. Energy, defence and aerospace are also among the key areas on the agenda.
The visit comes as Paris and Riyadh continue to deepen ties following years of international criticism of Saudi Arabia over the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. France has since resumed high-level engagement with the Saudi leadership, reflecting the kingdom’s importance as an economic and regional partner.
Saudi Arabia is also expanding its role in the global sports industry. The kingdom is preparing to host Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, while the Esports World Cup in Paris has become another element of growing French-Saudi cooperation in sports and culture.
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