This French National Day nearly coincides with the first anniversary of my arrival in the Kingdom. It was an assignment that I requested for, because I like this region, because Saudi Arabia has become a major political partner and because there are here huge opportunities for fruitful cooperation.

I don’t regret my choice: The Kingdom is a very hospitable place and, since the visit of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to Paris in June 2007, a lot has been achieved in the Saudi-French relationship. A spirit of trust and friendship was immediately established between the two heads of state, and close consultations exist on all political issues. An agreement institutionalizing this process was signed during the visit to Riyadh by President Sarkozy in January 2008, as well as other agreements on energy and education.

France is an important partner of Saudi Arabia in the field of security and defense. A new agreement has been signed between the ministers of interior in February 2008, and we have excellent perspectives in the fields of military and armament cooperation. Saudi Arabia is enjoying a huge economic development thanks to important financial capacities and a wise management. The various great programs (oil, gas and petrochemicals, infrastructures, transport and communications, water, electricity...) do correspond to major poles of excellence in the French industry. Our banking system and service companies (hotel, distribution...) are also very active.

This year French companies won major contracts in the Kingdom: Total for the Jubail refinery, Alstom for the extension of Shoaiba electrical plant, Airbus with Saudia and NAS, Veolia for Riyadh’s water framework, Suez for Jeddah’s water framework, Aéroport de Paris International for Jeddah’s airport... and I am confident that more are coming. French exports to Saudi Arabia have increased by 30 percent for the first months of this year. It is clear that the French companies are keen to develop their partnership with Saudi counterparts.

Another very important field is being developed: cultural and education cooperation. Fifty-one agreements have been signed in April 2008 between Saudi and French universities and we are expecting a great increase in the number of Saudi students in France. The medical cooperation is a success. Similar cooperation is being established in the field of technical and professional training. Cultural cooperation is also being developed in archaeology and museums.

The wish of King Abdullah and President Sarkozy to give a strong impulse to our strategic partnership is being implemented with determination. New areas of cooperation (research, nuclear...) are also being explored to realize a truly global partnership.

Saudi Arabia is diversifying its partners. France is going through a major process of economic and social reforms in order to strengthen its attractiveness. I am convinced that we are together on the right track.

Last but not least, a greater number of Saudi tourists are coming to France this summer. I wish them a very pleasant stay in their second home! Bon 14 Juillet to all our friends.

Bertrand BESANCENOT

Ambassador of France