French President Emmanuel Macron is set to host Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Paris for a two-day visit expected to focus on energy cooperation, regional security and strengthening economic ties between France and Saudi Arabia.
The visit begins on Sunday with Macron and the crown prince attending the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup in Paris. It marks the first time the competition, which features video games and chess, is being held outside Saudi Arabia.
Formal bilateral talks and a business forum are scheduled for Monday. Discussions are expected to cover alternative energy routes that could bypass the Strait of Hormuz, including new pipelines, expanded infrastructure and alternative port networks.
The two leaders are also expected to address the ongoing Iran conflict, the Gaza-Israel war, the broader Palestinian situation, and developments in Lebanon and Syria.
France and Saudi Arabia are expected to sign several agreements covering healthcare, transportation and energy during the visit.
The trip marks Mohammed bin Salman’s third visit to France, following trips in 2022 and 2023. It also comes weeks after Saudi Arabia signed a joint defence agreement with Turkiye and Pakistan, strengthening Riyadh’s efforts to diversify its security partnerships beyond the United States.
France has long been a major defence supplier to Gulf countries, while Saudi Arabia has emerged as an increasingly important investor in the French economy.
The discussions are also expected to touch on Saudi Arabia’s preparations to host Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, two major international events that are central to the kingdom’s economic and development ambitions.
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