Riyadh: At the time of his three-day state visit to Saudi Arabia, French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman set up a formal strategic partnership on Monday. French President Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman formed a partnership and called for elections in Lebanon.
When Macron arrived in Riyadh, he received a warm welcome with an honor guard and cannon fire. However, the backdrop of his visit was significant: Macron’s government in France was facing a potential vote of no confidence, which could threaten its stability just months after its formation. The far-right National Rally party announced plans to vote against Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government, following his controversial use of an executive tool to pass a social security budget without parliamentary approval. This political turmoil in France adds an additional layer of complexity to Macron’s diplomatic mission.
During their discussions, Macron and Prince Mohammed expressed their commitment to fostering peace and stability in the Middle East. A key point of their dialogue was the situation in Lebanon, where both leaders called for the urgent holding of presidential elections. This move is considered crucial for bringing the Lebanese people together and making important reforms to stabilize the country, which is facing serious economic and political challenges. Macron’s office emphasized that the elections are crucial for restoring security and governance in Lebanon.
The context of Macron’s visit is also significant given the ongoing violence in Syria, where recent clashes have escalated, particularly following the seizure of Aleppo by anti-government rebels. This violence underscores the fragile security situation in the region, complicating efforts to maintain peace, especially in Lebanon, where tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continue to pose challenges.
Macron’s trip marks the first visit by a French president to Saudi Arabia since Jacques Chirac’s visit in 2006. This renewed engagement reflects a desire to strengthen ties, particularly following Macron’s earlier visit in 2021, which came shortly after the high-profile murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Since then, France has sought to balance its diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia while addressing human rights concerns.
A significant aspect of Macron’s discussions with the crown prince is the potential support for the Lebanese army. As Lebanon’s military gets ready to secure its borders during a fragile ceasefire, Macron wants to strengthen its capabilities, which are limited by a lack of resources and training. Furthermore, both leaders are advocating for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, emphasizing the need for a political resolution that supports a two-state solution—establishing separate Israeli and Palestinian states.
In addition to political discussions, Macron’s delegation includes over 50 senior officials from major French companies, such as TotalEnergies, EDF, and Veolia. The focus on economic collaboration underscores the shared ambition of both nations to significantly enhance their economic ties. Discussions regarding the potential sale of French-made Rafale fighter jets to Saudi Arabia are also on the agenda, although no formal announcements are expected during this visit.
In conclusion, Macron’s strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia highlights a commitment to addressing regional conflicts and enhancing bilateral cooperation. As both leaders navigate complex political landscapes, their collaboration aims not only to stabilize Lebanon but also to foster greater economic and diplomatic ties that can benefit both nations in an increasingly challenging geopolitical climate.
