Macron hosts Saudi Crown Prince for visit ranging from esports to Middle East war

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday for a significant two-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. The agenda spans diverse areas, including the rapidly growing world of esports and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The visit's opening on Sunday evening featured a unique blend of diplomacy and entertainment, with Macron hosting MBS at the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup in Paris. This marks the first time the international esports event, which draws top performers in various gaming and strategic competitions, has been held outside Saudi Arabia. The Crown Prince has shown considerable support for the event.

On Monday, the second day of the visit, officials anticipate the signing of several key agreements. These pacts are set to cover crucial sectors such as health, transport, and energy, further underscoring the robust relationship between Paris and Riyadh. A French presidential official confirmed the expected signings, emphasizing the strength of the Paris-Riyadh partnership.

While specific details regarding a proposed "Dragons Ball" theme park project, reportedly backed by a Saudi fund for the Val-d'Oise region near Paris, were not commented on by the official, the visit highlights Saudi Arabia's increasing global engagement. The Kingdom is slated to host major international events, including Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.