France and Saudi Arabia Forge Strategic Partnership, Focusing on Peace in the Middle East and Global Concerns
Paris, 2 December 2024
French President Emmanuel Macron held a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, solidifying a strategic partnership aimed at bolstering cooperation across a wide range of sectors. The meeting, part of the Crown Prince’s state visit to France from December 2nd to 4th, underscored the commitment of both nations to collaborate on defense, the energy transition, cultural exchanges, mobility, and the organization of major international events.
## A Summit for Artificial Intelligence
President Macron and the Crown Prince agreed to collaborate in the lead-up to the AI Action Summit, scheduled to take place in Paris in February.
## Regional Stability and Peace Efforts
The discussions extended to the volatile regional situation, with both leaders emphasizing the Urgent need for de-escalation. “+”They agreed that establishing a ceasefire in Gaza without delay is paramount, citing the necessity to secure the release of all hostages, protect civilians through humanitarian aid, and work towards a lasting political solution based on the two-State solution. “+”
Macron and the Crown Prince affirmed their commitment to building upon the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, previously announced by President Macron and President Biden on November 26th, 2024. They jointly called for presidential elections in Lebanon, aiming to unite the Lebanese people and implement crucial reforms essential for the country’s stability and security.
## Water Resources and Global Cooperation
The conversation also touched upon pressing global challenges. President Macron expressed gratitude to the Crown Prince for hosting the One Water Summit (OWS) on the sidelines of COP16 on desertification in Riyadh. This summit, co-chaired by France and Kazakhstan, provides a platform for sustainable solutions to enhance water resource sharing and governance. President Macron pledged to ensure that the outcomes of the OWS are seamlessly integrated into the work leading up to the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice in June 2025.
What are the potential economic implications of this partnership for both France and Saudi Arabia, and could it challenge existing economic alliances in the region?
## France and Saudi Arabia: A New Chapter in Cooperation?
**Interviewer:** Joining us today to discuss the recently announced strategic partnership between France and Saudi Arabia is Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading expert on Middle Eastern Geopolitics. Dr. Sharma, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Sharma:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** This partnership was announced during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s state visit to France. Can you tell us a bit more about what this partnership entails?
**Dr. Sharma:** Absolutely. This partnership appears to be quite multifaceted. While the details are still emerging, it seems to focus on several key areas, driven by both countries’ shared interests. [[1](https://economymiddleeast.com/news/saudi-arabia-france-form-strategic-partnership-council-to-bolster-cooperation-in-key-sectors/)]
We know it involves establishing a “Strategic Partnership Council” to facilitate cooperation in sectors like energy, defense, technology, and arguably most important, regional stability.
**Interviewer:** Regional stability being a key focus. How does this partnership play into France and Saudi Arabia’s broader desires for peace in the Middle East?
**Dr. Sharma:** That’s an important question. Both France and Saudi Arabia have significant stakes in regional stability. France, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, holds a strong commitment to peace and security. Saudi Arabia, as a regional powerhouse, seeks to exert influence and ensure its security interests are protected.
A stronger partnership could allow for greater cooperation on issues like the ongoing conflicts in Yemen and Syria, as well as counterterrorism efforts. It remains to be seen how effectively this partnership will translate into concrete actions, but it certainly offers a new avenue for dialog and potential solutions.
**Interviewer:** Indeed. And beyond the Middle East, are there any other global concerns where this partnership could have an impact?
**Dr. Sharma:** Possibly. We see increasing convergence between France and Saudi Arabia on issues like climate change and the need for diversification in energy resources. The Saudi-French Investment Forum held alongside the visit highlighted this, emphasizing shared goals for a sustainable future.
**Interviewer:** Fascinating. Dr. Sharma, thank you for providing such valuable insights into this developing partnership.
**Dr. Sharma:** My pleasure. It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the coming months and years.
