Kingdom-French ties: Beginning of a new era

The Kingdom and France have enjoyed a long and fruitful friendship. These links have been broadened and deepened with a groundbreaking high-profile Saudi visit to Paris led by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
In the course of his visit to France, the deputy crown prince oversaw the signing of far-reaching agreements, which include multibillion dollar purchases of Airbus airliners, helicopters and nuclear reactors.
While more than 20 deals were signed off during Prince Mohammed’s visit to Paris there can be little doubt that the most exciting agreement is that with the French company Areva to start feasibility studies for the construction of two EPR nuclear reactors in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia has committed itself to peaceful nuclear power and has been actively studying its introduction for over a decade.
No country has greater experience of the peaceful exploitation of atomic power than France. The greater part of France’s electricity is generated by a network of nuclear power plants. This means that the French have unrivaled understanding of nuclear issues. It is typical of the cautious and thoughtful approach to nuclear technology that of immediate concern here in the Kingdom has been the handling of nuclear waste. The UK was a pioneer of nuclear power but completely miscalculated the challenges of disposing of spent fuel. It also underestimated the complexities of dismantling nuclear power stations at the end of their working lives. France however addressed these issues at the very inception of its nuclear program. Therefore it seems certain that the feasibility studies in the Kingdom will be holistic. They will embrace not simply the generation of power but also the decommissioning of nuclear plants.
Relations between Saudi Arabia and France have been close for many years. The deputy crown prince's visit to Paris and his meeting with French President Francois Hollande was an opportunity to reaffirm that closeness.
The Kingdom is seeking to boost its defenses in the face of rising regional threats and instability. France is a natural partner for a diversified upgrading of the already considerable equipment and capabilities of our armed forces. A typical example of such a symbiotic relationship is the deal likely to be agreed later this year for the supply of fast patrol boats. These will enhance the capabilities of coastal defenses. At the same time they will boost the search and rescue function of the coast guard. Likewise the Interior Ministry’s order for 23 French helicopters is a demonstration that the Kingdom is prepared to spare no expense when it comes to the protection of Saudi citizens and those who work in the Kingdom. The ordering of no less than 50 advanced Airbus airliners for Saudia is likewise proof of the determination to keep Saudi Arabia at the forefront of technological developments.
There is, however, far more to the relationship between Riyadh and Paris than these highly significant commercial orders. France has played an important role in the Middle East. Some might argue that French understanding of the region surpasses that of the British and Americans who have had a higher profile in the Arab world.
Thus it is clear that the French president and his ministers will have been anxious to hear about Saudi Arabia’s decisive intervention in Yemen. This high-profile visit must have made it clear to them that the rebuilding of Yemen will be a priority once the conflict has ended. This reconstruction will need to encompass not just damaged infrastructure but also the entire economy. While the Gulf States, led by the Kingdom will naturally lead in this crucial rebuilding, France can also have a useful part to play. Saudi Arabia’s close ties with France have been reaffirmed in this historic visit. Both countries have common interests and common priorities. The day-to-day diplomatic links are close and regular. Such high-level visits as that of the deputy crown prince therefore build on already strong foundations.
France plays an important role in the European Union and holds a permanent seat on the Security Council of the United Nations. President Hollande will have valued the opportunity to hear at first hand the Saudi assessment of the rising tensions in the region. The Kingdom’s wise counsel is widely sought but it becomes particularly important when it is asked for by a country such as France.
The French and the Saudis share a willingness to think carefully before committing to a new policy or action. However, once the assessment has been completed, the action that follows tends to be decisive. Prince Mohammed’s visit to France therefore has to be seen in terms of a closer and warmer partnership.