Paris. French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman are holding talks in Paris on Monday, with regional security, energy and investment high on the agenda as France and Saudi Arabia seek to deepen their strategic partnership.
The two-day visit, which began on Sunday, brings together two influential players at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty over energy and transport routes in the region. Macron’s office said the leaders would discuss major regional issues as part of close cooperation between France and its Gulf partners.
The talks are expected to cover the situation in the Middle East, including regional conflicts and security concerns surrounding energy supplies and transport routes. France and Saudi Arabia are also looking at ways to strengthen connectivity between the Gulf and Europe and diversify routes affected by instability around the Strait of Hormuz.
Economic cooperation is another major focus. Macron and Prince Mohammed are due to oversee the first meeting of the French-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council and attend a Saudi-French business forum, where opportunities for investment and bilateral trade are expected to feature prominently.
The partnership spans sectors including energy, transport, healthcare, technology and infrastructure, with Saudi Arabia seeking international investment as it pursues its Vision 2030 economic diversification programme.
The visit follows Macron’s trip to Saudi Arabia in December 2024, when the two countries agreed to strengthen their strategic partnership.
The crown prince’s visit began on Sunday with Macron hosting him at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Esports World Cup in Paris. The tournament was held outside Saudi Arabia for the first time, reflecting the growing role of sport, entertainment and technology in the two countries’ relationship.
For Macron, closer ties with Riyadh also provide an opportunity to strengthen France’s influence in the Gulf and its role in addressing regional crises. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, is seeking stronger economic and diplomatic partnerships as it transforms its economy and expands its international role.
The talks are taking place against a backdrop of continuing instability around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global energy supplies. Regional countries have been exploring alternative transport and energy routes amid concerns over disruptions to shipping.
The meeting therefore puts both regional diplomacy and economic interests at the centre of the France-Saudi relationship, with the outcome likely to shape cooperation on security, energy, investment and trade.
