Macron, Bin Salman to Discuss Lebanon Crisis, Syria Reconstruction, and Regional Defense Pact

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to host Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Paris for a two-day visit beginning Sunday. The agenda includes discussions on the escalating crisis in Lebanon, the ongoing reconstruction efforts in Syria, and a recently signed military defense agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan.

Sources at the Élysée Palace revealed that the bilateral meeting on Monday will focus on signing various agreements, potentially in the cultural and defense sectors. The leaders will address the critical situation in Lebanon, with France and Saudi Arabia sharing concerns for the country's sovereignty and expressing support for its authorities. A preparatory meeting for a potential conference on Lebanon is expected in the coming weeks.

Regarding Syria, France and Saudi Arabia are collaborating on logistical and energy initiatives to aid in the country's reconstruction. The Élysée highlighted Saudi Arabia's crucial role in diversifying supply routes between Europe and the Middle East, which have been impacted by instability in the Strait of Hormuz. The discussion will also touch upon the new security architecture in the region, exemplified by the August 7 defense pact between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, with French officials keen to hear Saudi Arabia's perspective on this alliance.

The Crown Prince's visit commences Sunday with the closing ceremony of the third Esports World Cup in Paris. This event, typically hosted in Saudi Arabia, was moved to France due to regional conflicts. The visit aims to build on the momentum from Macron's trip to Saudi Arabia in December 2024.