PARIS: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron met at the Elysee Palace on Monday, reaffirming the strategic partnership between the two countries and agreeing to expand cooperation across defence, investment, energy, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, culture and tourism.
Following the meeting, the two countries issued a joint statement outlining their shared positions on regional and international issues, as well as plans to strengthen bilateral economic and strategic ties, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Tuesday.
They stressed their shared commitment to stability in the Middle East, based on respect for state sovereignty, international law and diplomatic solutions.
Saudi Arabia, France vow to strengthen trade and Investment
Economic cooperation featured prominently in the talks. Riyadh and Paris noted that bilateral trade reached approximately $11.8 billion in 2025 and agreed to further strengthen investment and financial cooperation.
Joint Statement issued at the conclusion of HRH the Crown Prince’s visit to the French Republic. 🇸🇦🇫🇷https://t.co/3ZCSD96HVy pic.twitter.com/3hetsCrM71
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) August 24, 2026
The two sides welcomed plans by Qiddiya Investment Company to develop a major mixed-use destination in Cergy-Pontoise, in France’s Île-de-France region. The project, combining entertainment, leisure, hospitality, culture and sport, is expected to involve investment of around €6 billion over its development lifecycle.
The countries also agreed to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and other emerging technologies.
Iran and Strait of Hormuz
On Iran, Paris and Riyadh called for a negotiated solution to prevent further escalation and reiterated support for a diplomatic settlement ensuring the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. They also urged Tehran to resume full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The two countries condemned attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and called for the restoration of freedom of navigation and uninterrupted commercial shipping through the vital waterway, in accordance with international law.
HRH the Crown Prince and the French President witness the exchange of agreements and MoUs at the Élysée Palace. pic.twitter.com/AgVZhgxq7Z
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) August 24, 2026
Gaza and Palestinian State
On Gaza, Riyadh and Paris welcomed the announcement of an agreement regarding the disarmament of Hamas and called for its implementation.
The two sides also urged efforts toward a sustainable ceasefire and the immediate, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilians.
They called for an end to Israeli settlement activity and settler violence and reaffirmed support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders.
Lebanon and Yemen
Regarding Lebanon, the two countries called for stronger state institutions and the preservation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They reaffirmed support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and security forces and stressed the importance of fully implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
France and Saudi Arabia also called for the disarmament of all non-state armed groups and an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory.
HRH the Crown Prince attends a State Banquet hosted in his honor by the French President at the Élysée Palace in Paris. pic.twitter.com/GMmbDFKDTt
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) August 24, 2026
On Yemen, the two sides reaffirmed their support for the Presidential Leadership Council and UN-led efforts to achieve an inclusive political settlement. They condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, civilian infrastructure and commercial shipping and emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation.
France also expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and condemned attacks on its territory.
Sudan and Syria
The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to Sudan’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity and called for intensified international efforts to end the conflict and prevent foreign interference.
HRH the Crown Prince and the French President hold bilateral meeting at the Élysée Palace. pic.twitter.com/7fglOJkb6M
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) August 24, 2026
On Syria, Paris and Riyadh stressed the importance of preserving the country’s unity and stability, strengthening state institutions and supporting economic recovery. They also welcomed the establishment of a Saudi-Syrian-French business council.
AlUla partnership extended
They agreed to extend their Saudi-French partnership on AlUla until 2035, building on cooperation in archaeology, heritage and culture and further promoting AlUla as an international cultural destination.
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The two sides also welcomed the outcomes of a Saudi-French investment roundtable held Monday, attended by senior business leaders. The discussions focused on joint projects and investment opportunities in energy, industry, finance, transport, health, culture, tourism and artificial intelligence.
Both sides further welcomed the announcement of 21 agreements and memoranda of understanding, reflecting the growing economic partnership between the two countries and opening new avenues for cooperation and joint investment.
