Saudi Arabia’s MBS visits Macron in France: What to expect

What the report says

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is in France for a two-day state visit, meeting President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, according to Al Jazeera. The visit began on Sunday evening at the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup, which was the first time the tournament was held outside Saudi Arabia. On Monday, the two leaders are expected to continue talks at the Elysee Palace.

Al Jazeera reported that Macron and bin Salman are set to sign several agreements covering health, transport and energy. French media also reported the possibility of a deal linked to a Dragon Ball-themed amusement park backed by a Saudi investment fund, though that report has not been confirmed in the article. Regional officials in Île-de-France said work on the project has been underway for months.

Beyond the expected deals, the agenda includes regional security, economic ties, and energy routes that avoid the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping has been disrupted by conflict in the region. The article says France remains a significant buyer of Saudi oil and mineral products, and that oil prices have been volatile because of the disruption.

The visit comes amid broader shifts in Saudi foreign policy. Al Jazeera noted it is bin Salman’s third trip to France and follows the creation of a Saudi-French Strategic Partnership Council in 2024. It also follows a recent defence pact among Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan, which analysts say reflects Riyadh’s effort to broaden its security partnerships.