Mohammed bin Salman Heads to Paris to Deepen Ties, Advance Strategic Partnership

Paris, France – Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman arrived in Paris on Sunday for a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and France. The visit, at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron, follows Macron's state visit to Saudi Arabia in December 2024, which led to numerous agreements and the establishment of the Saudi-French Strategic Partnership Council.

This marks Mohammed bin Salman's third trip to Paris, underscoring the growing momentum in bilateral relations. The Saudi Royal Court stated the visit is undertaken at the directive of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and in response to Macron's invitation. The Élysée Palace described the visit as a reflection of the "vitality of the dialogue" between the two nations, anticipating it will bolster their strategic alliance.

A key event during the visit is the inaugural meeting of the French-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council, scheduled for Sunday evening at the Grand Palais. This meeting will coincide with the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup, hosted in France for the first time at Saudi Arabia's request. The tournament, featuring 2,000 players and 200 clubs competing for $75 million in prize money, highlights France's renewed appeal for major international sporting events.

Monday's agenda includes an official welcome for the Crown Prince at the Élysée Palace, followed by bilateral talks. Macron and Mohammed bin Salman will co-chair the Strategic Partnership Council meeting, with several agreements expected to be signed. The leaders will also attend a Saudi-French business forum, aiming to foster economic cooperation. The visit will conclude with an official dinner at the Élysée Palace. Talks are expected to focus on significant economic and strategic matters, as well as regional challenges requiring close coordination between France and Saudi Arabia.