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MBS and Macron Chair First Saudi-French Strategic Partnership Council Meeting in Paris

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2 hours ago

August 25, 2026

Shorya

mbs and macron chair first saudi french strategic partnership

On 24th August 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron hosted the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia in the Élysée Palace in Paris for bilateral consultations at the senior level. He and his French counterpart co-chaired the inaugural Saudi-French Strategic Partnership Council in the meeting, highlighting the Saudi-French relationship.

The new council is supposed to give a foretaken format to regular talks on the political, economic and strategic agenda. The leaders discussed the long-standing friendship between both nations and the need to further increase the cooperation between them in fields that are related to Saudi Arabia’s transformation initiative under the Vision 2030 Renewing the Kingdom.

Regional Security Takes Centre Stage

During the discussion, emphasis was placed on the regional developments. On maritime security around the Strait of Hormuz, Macron and MBS discussed the situation and the maritime security balance in a global context. On the other hand, discussions on diplomatic and humanitarian affairs focused on developments in the Middle East, particularly the humanitarian situation in Gaza and Lebanon.

The consults are seen as a response to regional security concerns, which have been impacting trade, energy and wider regional international relations. Saudi Arabia and France also have an opportunity to discuss stability and humanitarian issues in the region through enhanced coordination.

Strategic Partnership Council Formally Established

After the bilateral dialogue, the two leaders signed the minutes of the first meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council. The deal came after officials from the two countries signed an agreement on a high-level basis for ongoing cooperation between the two nations.

The council ought not to only be about “old school” political and energy cooperation, but may also boost the coordination work within several sectors. The development also brings about the growing economic and strategic ties of the two nations.

Four Major Agreements and MoUs

In addition, a number of agreements, including on culture, defence, entertainment, and artificial intelligence, were reached during the Paris meeting. Saudi-French partnership has expanded considerably and is reflected in these initiatives.

AlUla Development and Heritage

Saudi Arabia and France signed an intergovernmental agreement for the development of AlUla to be updated and extended.Saudi Arabia and France signed an intergovernmental agreement to update and extend the one related to AlUla’s development.

Defence Cooperation

Two countries also signed a Declaration of Intent between the defence ministries of both countries. The cooperation in the military arena is to be extended and their cooperation in defence increased, which will further strengthen their longstanding security relationship.

Qiddiya Entertainment Project

Another MoU is between Qiddiya Investment Company and the Ministry of Economy of France. The parties will review the potential for a significant Saudi Arabia entertainment investment in France.

AI and Emerging Technologies

The Saudi Arabia Ministry of Communication and Information Technology also entered into a partnership with France’s Ministry of Economy on supporting AI and emerging technologies and development of skills in digital. The partnership might serve as a built-in mechanism for sharing information and/or the development of talent in the technology sector.

What the Partnership Means for Saudi Arabia and France?

Saudi Arabia’s French efforts to diversify the economy and build a beyond hydrocarbons based economy through Vision 2030, as closer ties with France will deliver the skills and expertise required for this. The partnership offers pathways to greater involvement with one of the largest economies in the Gulf in France.

The scope of the agreements, ranging from AlUla and defence to entertainment and AI, demonstrates the nature of bilateral ties. These areas of cooperation could now truly become an important mechanism for the Strategic Partnership Council to move these issues of cooperation into longer-term projects.

FAQs

What is the Saudi-French Strategic Partnership Council?

The Saudi-French Strategic Partnership Council is a senior-level platform established to enhance and formalize Saudi Arabia and France’s collaboration in various political, economic and strategic fields.

Who presided at the first Council meeting?

The first meeting of the council was co-chaired by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

What does AlUla’s value to the partnership look like?

Cooperation in environment, culture, economy and heritage are among the aspects covered by the AlUla agreement, which supports the Saudi government’s thrust to increase tourism and safeguard historical sites.