Saudi Arabia and France jointly reaffirmed their support for Palestinian statehood and called for Israel to withdraw from all Lebanese territory on Monday. This joint statement was issued at the conclusion of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s state visit to France. The declaration followed extensive talks between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, showing the deep diplomatic engagement between the two nations. During the visit, Saudi Arabia and France also chaired the inaugural meeting of the Saudi-French Strategic Partnership Council, a new body designed to foster closer collaboration across various sectors. The discussions and subsequent joint statement noted a shared vision for regional stability and bilateral cooperation, setting a clear agenda for future diplomatic and economic engagements.
Middle East Peace Initiatives
Riyadh and Paris firmly rejected attempts to undermine the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. This strong stance reflects a consensus on the foundational principles for a lasting peace in the region. Saudi Arabia and France unequivocally called for an end to Israel’s settlement policy and violence by Israeli occupiers, stating these actions directly threaten the viability of the two-state solution. They emphasized that the continued expansion of settlements and acts of violence by Israeli occupiers erode trust and complicate efforts towards a peaceful resolution. Both nations stressed the urgent need to create conditions for a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and ensure the urgent, safe, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to the region. This call for humanitarian access and a cessation of hostilities underlines their deep concern for the civilian population impacted by the ongoing conflict. The joint statement detailed that Riyadh and Paris welcomed the announcement of an agreement on the disarmament of Hamas, and called for its swift and full implementation as a key step towards de-escalation and long-term stability.
Focusing on Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and France also agreed to intensify efforts toward a final settlement in the country, working diligently to strengthen state institutions and preserve Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This commitment comes amidst ongoing challenges facing Lebanon, and both nations noted the importance of a stable and independent Lebanese state. They specifically called for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, a resolution that has been a cornerstone of efforts to maintain peace along the Blue Line. The joint statement demanded the complete disarmament of all armed groups operating outside state control within Lebanon, a measure deemed essential for national sovereignty and security. This demand is coupled with a clear call for Israel’s withdrawal from all Lebanese territory, reinforcing the principle of territorial integrity. The full approach to Lebanon shows the belief that a stable Lebanon is vital for broader regional security.
Regional Security and Diplomacy
In a broader regional context, Riyadh and Paris stressed the need for a negotiated solution to prevent further escalation regarding Iran and reiterated their strong support for diplomacy to ensure the peaceful nature of Tehran’s nuclear program. This position reflects a shared desire to avoid confrontation and to resolve complex issues through dialogue. Saudi Arabia and France called on Iran to resume full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), emphasizing the importance of transparency and adherence to international nuclear safeguards. Such cooperation is seen as critical for building confidence and ensuring the peaceful intent of Iran's nuclear activities. The joint statement also strongly condemned attacks on vessels and threats to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital international shipping lane. These actions, they asserted, jeopardize global trade and regional stability. Both nations called for shipping to return to conditions that existed before the United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on February 28, advocating for a return to normalcy and freedom of navigation.
Regarding Syria, Saudi Arabia and France reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to Syria’s unity, stability, and economic recovery, recognizing the immense challenges facing the war-torn nation. The two sides welcomed the establishment of a joint Saudi-Syrian-French Business Council, an initiative aimed at fostering economic ties and contributing to Syria's eventual reconstruction and recovery. This council is expected to explore opportunities for investment and trade, laying groundwork for future economic partnerships. Riyadh and Paris reiterated their support for the Presidential Leadership Council and UN efforts toward a full settlement in Yemen, expressing hope for a political resolution to the protracted conflict. They unequivocally condemned Houthi attacks on civilian infrastructure and vital facilities in Saudi Arabia, as well as attacks on commercial shipping, noting the severe impact of these actions on regional security and global commerce. France expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and firmly rejected attacks on its territory, showing the strong bilateral security relationship. Saudi Arabia and France also called for intensified efforts to end the crisis in Sudan and halt all forms of foreign interference, advocating for a peaceful resolution led by Sudanese stakeholders. The full nature of their regional security discussions demonstrates a shared commitment to addressing multifaceted challenges across the Middle East and North Africa.
Bilateral Cooperation and Future Ties
Beyond regional security, Saudi Arabia and France agreed to deepen their defence cooperation, encompassing a wide range of activities including armaments and training. This enhanced partnership aims to strengthen the security capabilities of both nations and promote interoperability. During the visit, the two countries signed multiple agreements and memorandums of understanding across various sectors, signaling a strong expansion of their bilateral relationship. These agreements spanned critical areas such as defence, health, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and entertainment, reflecting the diverse interests and strategic priorities of both Saudi Arabia and France. The economic dimension of their relationship was also noted, with bilateral trade between Saudi Arabia and France reaching approximately $11.8 billion in 2025, demonstrating a significant and growing economic partnership. A Saudi-French investment roundtable, held as part of the visit, announced an impressive 21 agreements and memorandums of understanding, further solidifying economic ties and paving the way for future investment. The August 23-24 visit also marked a significant historical milestone: the centenary of political relations between Saudi Arabia and France, celebrating a century of diplomatic engagement and cooperation. This occasion served as a backdrop for renewed commitments and ambitious plans for the next chapter of their bilateral relationship, building on a foundation of mutual respect and shared strategic interests.
