French-Saudi partnership seeks to promote stability

On the occasion of his visit to France, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This visit takes place in a meaningful year, as France and Saudi Arabia celebrate the centenary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations. A century of dialogue, friendship, and cooperation has created a relationship built on trust, mutual respect, and a shared willingness to look to the future.

This relationship has become a genuine strategic partnership.

The visit of President Emmanuel Macron to Saudi Arabia in December 2024 was a milestone. It gave fresh momentum to our cooperation and reflected the ambition to make it global. The crown prince’s visit to Paris is another opportunity to take new initiatives in the context of the first meeting of the French-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council.

This council provides a framework for stronger cooperation in diplomacy, security and defense, investment, energy, culture, technology, and education. It also reflects the increasingly close political dialogue between France and Saudi Arabia at a time of profound changes in the world and the Middle East.

Our two countries share one clear principle: Lasting stability can only be rooted in the sovereignty of states, the respect of international law, and the pursuit of political solutions.

The crown prince’s visit to Paris reflects the increasingly close political dialogue between France and Saudi Arabia at a time of profound changes in the world and the Middle East.

Patrick Maisonnave

We both share the objective of peace and stability for the region. Defending freedom of navigation embodies this common stance. Attacks on vessels and threats to maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea are unacceptable. Restoring normal navigation, free of unlawful restrictions, tolls or interference, is essential for the Gulf and the global economy.

France and Saudi Arabia have worked closely together to restore a political horizon and make the two-state solution a concrete objective rather than a distant aspiration. We believe it is the only path to end the tragedy of the Palestinian people which remains at the heart of our concerns. These efforts were embodied by the New York Declaration of July 2025, which displayed the leading role our countries play when they unite their forces.

Across the region, our countries remain equally committed to political solutions. In Yemen, we support UN efforts toward an inclusive settlement and we condemn Houthi attacks on Saudi territory and international shipping. In Sudan, we call for an end to the conflict and foreign interference, while preserving the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In Syria, we support unity, stability, and economic recovery, including through practical initiatives such as the new Saudi-Syrian-French business council. Last, but not least, we are cooperating to find a durable solution for the benefit of the Lebanese people, which can only be achieved by strengthening the state, disarming nonstate actors, and dismissing external interference.

Our partnership, however, is not only defined by regional crises. It is, first and foremost, a partnership for growth and prosperity

France and Saudi Arabia have worked closely together to restore a political horizon and make the two-state solution a concrete objective rather than a distant aspiration. 

Patrick Maisonnave

Bilateral trade reached €8.3 billion (SR36 billion) in 2025, reflecting the strength and diversity of our economic relationship. Vision 2030 has opened new opportunities in defense, infrastructure, energy, tourism, culture, transport, healthcare, and technology. I commend the dedication of French companies to the Kingdom’s transformation. Thanks to their continuously growing investments, they have become a major employer for the Saudi youth.

The Riyadh Expo 2030 will offer another exceptional opportunity. France will be proud to participate and intends to make its commitment a major moment in our bilateral relationship, mobilizing French companies, institutions, expertise, and creativity on the way to the event and during this amazing moment to come.

Political trust between our two countries and personal confidence between the French president and Saudi crown prince have made these outstanding results possible. I am especially proud that the French Republic and the Kingdom have become strong allies acting together wherever regional and international challenges are at stake.

As we mark 100 years of diplomatic relations, France and Saudi Arabia are not only celebrating where they come from. We are also looking ahead. Challenges are great, indeed. But our partnership aims at building the next chapter, promoting stability, supporting economic transformation, strengthening dialogue between our peoples, and ambitiously contributing to a more peaceful and more prosperous region for the benefit of the world.

• Patrick Maisonnave is the Ambassador of France to Saudi Arabia.