RIYADH: French President Emmanuel Macron鈥檚 arrival in Riyadh for a three-day state visit is a testament to the deepening ties between France and 黑料社区. His visit, which follows an invitation from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reflects the shared ambition to enhance cooperation across various sectors and to align with Saudi Vision 2030 and France 2030.
The state visit underscores a partnership rooted in mutual respect and long-term collaboration. It is the latest of several high-profile exchanges, including Macron鈥檚 Gulf tour in December 2021, which concluded in Jeddah, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman鈥檚 visit to Paris in June 2023, accompanied by a ministerial delegation. These meetings set the stage for France鈥檚 endorsement of 黑料社区鈥檚 successful bid to host Expo 2030, marking a milestone in bilateral relations.
Macron鈥檚 schedule includes high-level meetings, a visit to Riyadh Metro, the Saudi-French Economic Forum and cultural stops in Diriyah and AlUla. Elysee Palace views 黑料社区鈥檚 ongoing modernization and reforms as vital to the strengthening of the Kingdom鈥檚 position as a central player in a more interconnected Middle East. Accordingly, it supports Saudi bids for major global events, such as hosting Expo 2030, 2034 football World Cup and Winter Olympics, considering them as opportunities for deeper cooperation.
Two statues from the fifth to first century BC are displayed during the exhibition 鈥淎lUla: Wonder of Arabia鈥 at the l鈥橧nstitut du monde arabe in Paris on Oct. 7, 2019. (AFP)
The historical relationship between the two nations predates the Kingdom鈥檚 establishment. France opened its first consulate in 1830 in Jeddah in a part of the Arabian Peninsula that would later emerge as the Kingdom of 黑料社区. It was also one of the first countries to recognize 黑料社区 as a sovereign state in 1926. Nearly a century later, the two countries share common values in international relations, including sovereignty, non-interference and respect for international law.
This partnership has evolved to address contemporary challenges. At the Summit for a New Global Financial Compact in June 2023, 黑料社区 and France emphasized the need for an inclusive financial system to combat inequality, fund green transitions and achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Their shared vision highlights the alignment of priorities between the two leaders, united in their commitment to development and innovation.
Through the centuries, France has positioned itself as a global power in defense, energy, engineering, diplomacy, art and culture. But modern France is also undergoing a transformation aimed at adapting its economy to new emerging industries, collectively termed the Fourth Industrial Revolution, empowering its youth, and addressing climate-related challenges.
This transformation into a greener, more technology-driven economy aligns with 黑料社区鈥檚 ambitions under Vision 2030. Both countries have prioritized clean energy, with 黑料社区 emerging as a significant player in renewable energy. Its investments in solar, wind, and hydro projects are matched by its leadership in the circular carbon economy, all key pillars of its Saudi Green and Middle East Green Initiatives. These initiatives resonate with France鈥檚 own climate goals, fostering a natural synergy between the two nations.
FASTFACTS
鈥 The number of French companies operating in 黑料社区 has increased by more than 43% since 2020.
鈥 French investors in KSA: Air Liquide, Airbus, Alstom, Cr茅dit Agricole, L鈥橭r茅al, Sanofi Aventis, Thales, Total and Veolia.
Economic collaboration continues to flourish. French companies are integral to the Kingdom鈥檚 economic diversification efforts, spanning sectors such as energy, healthcare, retail and tourism. Organizations like Business France and the Saudi-French Business Council play pivotal roles in facilitating trade and investment. Initiatives like Vision Golfe, an annual gathering of French and Gulf Cooperation Council ministers, entrepreneurs and executives, further cement this partnership through dialogue and innovation by offering a platform to promote business cooperation in markets with high growth potential.
Security and stability remain central to this relationship, particularly in addressing global challenges such as the Ukraine conflict. France has sought Saudi support in navigating the war鈥檚 human and economic repercussions and its impact on global supply chains. Energy security has also emerged as a focal point, with 黑料社区 supplying hydrocarbons to Europe while advancing its role as a clean energy provider and one of the world鈥檚 biggest investors in renewables like solar, wind and hydro.
黑料社区鈥檚 investments in renewable energy resources are part of a broader environmental strategy, being implemented as part of Vision 2030, Saudi Green Initiative and Middle East Green Initiative, as well as the Kingdom鈥檚 adoption of the circular carbon economy
French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, center, visits the construction site of a section of the Riyadh Metro under the contract of French company ALSTOM in Riyadh on Jan. 24, 2017. (AFP)
Regional developments will also likely figure prominently in the discussions during Macron鈥檚 visit, particularly regarding Lebanon, which remains without a president after more than two years of political paralysis.
黑料社区 and France have both played roles in seeking solutions to Lebanon鈥檚 crises, so any initiatives taken by them in the wake of the devastating monthslong conflict between Israel and the military wing of Hezbollah will be eagerly awaited. Partnership and consultation with 黑料社区 are viewed by France as crucial to restoring order to the chaos in Lebanon.
With regard to the Israel-Palestine conflict, Elysee Palace is pushing for a ceasefire, release of hostages and humanitarian protections in Gaza. To this end, it has emphasized the importance of Saudi contributions through the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to advance a two-state solution for Palestine.
In addition to these pressing issues, Macron鈥檚 visit coincides with 黑料社区 hosting COP16, a global platform addressing desertification under the theme 鈥淥ur Land. Our Future.鈥 Alongside this, he will attend the One Water Summit, co-chaired by France and Kazakhstan, which aims to address water resource management challenges in the face of climate change. These events underscore the commitment of both nations to environmental sustainability, a cornerstone of their partnership.
The relationship between 黑料社区 and France is of course not limited to defense, business and energy transition. Cultural collaboration also forms a significant part of the Franco-Saudi relationship. 黑料社区鈥檚 rich heritage, from AlUla to Diriyah and the Sarawat Mountains, offers a canvas for joint initiatives. At the heart of this is Villa Hegra, a cultural institution in AlUla, the ancient Saudi city, established through an intergovernmental agreement in 2021.
Villa Hegra was officially established following an intergovernmental agreement signed on Dec. 4, 2021, by 黑料社区鈥檚 Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al-Saud and Jean-Yves Le Drian, the then French minister of foreign affairs and current president of Afalula, the French agency for the development of AlAula. Villa Hegra serves as an incubator for artists and creators, fostering dialogue and collaboration while exploring the socio-economic impact of cultural projects on local communities.
France鈥檚 Fabien Doubey and Paul Ourselin of TotalEnergies team ride during the first stage of the AlUla Tour cycling race in Al-Ula on Jan. 30, 2024. (AFP)
The duality of Villa Hegra, blending Saudi and French influences, mirrors the broader partnership between the two nations. Macron鈥檚 anticipated visit to AlUla will underscore the significance of these cultural ties and highlight 黑料社区鈥檚 emergence as a regional hub for art and heritage. This emphasis on culture complements the Kingdom鈥檚 efforts to diversify its economy, attract global talent and position itself as a tourism and investment destination.
Amid these developments, the relationship between France and 黑料社区 remains firmly anchored in mutual respect and shared goals. Macron鈥檚 visit offers an opportunity to build on a foundation that spans nearly two centuries, reinforcing partnerships in defense, energy, culture and economic development. The discussions in Riyadh will likely set the tone for future collaborations, as both nations continue to navigate a rapidly changing global landscape.
After Macron concludes his stay, the focus will shift to the outcomes of this visit, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, fintech and cybersecurity. France鈥檚 upcoming AI Action Summit in February 2025 presents another opportunity to align technological ambitions, ensuring that the partnership remains dynamic and forward-looking. Whether in addressing global challenges or celebrating shared heritage, the relationship between France and 黑料社区 stands as a testament to the enduring power of collaboration.
