Riyadh and Paris Reach Understanding on Regional Issues, Agree to Strengthen Strategic Partnership

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud concluded a state visit to France, marked by a warm reception and significant discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace.

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no one has any clear vision of how to find a way out of it

The visit, occurring amidst heightened regional volatility, focused on critical issues including the situations in Iran, Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, the Red Sea, and Yemen. Both leaders expressed concern over the potential risks these crises pose globally, particularly concerning maritime navigation through vital straits like Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb.

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their mutual aspiration to strengthen the existing strategic partnership between the two countries.

At the conclusion of the visit, a joint statement affirmed a mutual aspiration to bolster the strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and France. The leaders highlighted the historic depth of their bilateral relationship, especially as it marks the centenary of diplomatic ties. They emphasized that their strengthened partnership aims to foster friendship, trust, and mutual respect, addressing common interests and global challenges, particularly in the Middle East.

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historic depth of the relationship between France and Saudi Arabia on the occasion of the centenary of the establishment of political relations between the two countries.

Presiding over the inaugural meeting of the French-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council, the Crown Prince and President Macron launched new initiatives. They shared a vision for regional stability grounded in state sovereignty, respect for international law, and the pursuit of diplomatic solutions to conflicts. Regarding Iran, both leaders stressed the necessity of a negotiated resolution to prevent further escalation and ensure regional security.

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They reaffirmed their shared ambition that the strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and France ... gave a new momentum to the friendship, trust, and mutual respect between the two countries, and respond to their common interests and to the challenges facing the world and the Middle East region.