Macron and Mohammed bin Salman Convene Strategic Partnership Council

President Emmanuel Macron hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Paris on August 23 and 24 for a two-day state visit focused on regional security and economic integration. The visit centered on the first meeting of the Franco-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council, where the leaders signed bilateral agreements concerning health, transport, and energy. A primary strategic priority was the diversification of energy and logistics routes to find alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz, including regional rail, pipelines, and new maritime routes.

Diplomatic discussions addressed escalating tensions in the Middle East, specifically the conflicts involving Iran, Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria. The talks occurred as Saudi Arabia seeks to diversify its security partnerships following the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement with Türkiye and Pakistan. The visit began with the leaders attending the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup at the Grand Palais, an event relocated from Riyadh to Paris due to regional conflict.

The diplomatic engagement faced criticism from French journalists' unions and Reporters Without Borders, who labeled the visit a provocation. Critics cited ongoing judicial investigations into the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and demanded the release of 18 imprisoned media professionals in Saudi Arabia. Separately, the Muslim World League condemned Israel's E1 settlement plan in East Jerusalem, stating the project threatens the viability of a future independent Palestinian state.