French President Emmanuel Macron to Host Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Paris for High-Level Talks

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to welcome Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Paris for a two-day state visit, beginning with the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup and followed by crucial discussions on regional security and economic cooperation.

The visit opens Sunday evening as French President Emmanuel Macron hosts the crown prince at the esports tournament’s final in Paris, marking the first time the competition has been held outside Saudi Arabia. Bilateral meetings and a business forum will take place on Monday, with French President Emmanuel Macron’s office confirming that the two leaders will address key regional issues within the framework of close collaboration between France and Gulf partners.

What’s on the Agenda

Officials anticipate discussions regarding energy routes that could bypass the Strait of Hormuz—including new pipelines, capacity upgrades, and alternative port networks—alongside talks concerning the Iran conflict, the Gaza-Israel situation, the broader circumstances in Palestine, and developments in Lebanon and Syria. Several agreements covering health, transport, and energy are scheduled for signature on Monday.

An adviser to French President Emmanuel Macron noted that finding a resolution to the US-Israel war on Iran remains difficult. This trip marks Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s third visit to Paris, following previous visits in 2022 and 2023, and reinforces the Saudi-French Strategic Partnership Council launched during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Riyadh in December 2024.

The Paris trip represents Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s first journey outside the kingdom since Saudi Arabia signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement with Turkiye and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Analysts observe that this pact reflects Riyadh’s strategy to diversify security partnerships beyond Washington.

France remains a long-standing defense and weapons supplier to Gulf states, while Saudi Arabia expands its role as an investor in the French economy. French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman previously met in April in Islamabad during negotiations between Tehran and Washington. Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s preparations for Expo 2030 and the 2034 football World Cup are expected to feature in Monday's discussions.