The Franco-Saudi relationship is characterized by long-standing relations of friendship and trust. Exchanges and joint projects in many fields testify to the ampleness and solidity of the strategic partnership between our countries.

In the context of the implementation of Vision 2030, and furthermore of major regional and international challenges which they face together, France and Saudi Arabia are fully mobilized to keep the bilateral relationship alive. This is the message that the highest French and Saudi authorities expressed when they decided, in 2018, to strengthen their partnership so as to meet their mutual interests with increased relevance and acuity.

The Franco-Saudi relationship relies on common strategic interests, as well as on a broad convergence of views on the major issues (such as peace, security and development) and challenges (including sustainable growth and health) of the 21st century. On all regional and international topics, Paris and Riyadh maintain a close and constant dialogue to coordinate their efforts.

It is in this context, for example, that France and Saudi Arabia have stepped up their cooperation in the fight against extremism and terrorism. Similarly, we pool our resources to work toward the stabilization of the African Sahel, which is threatened by terrorism. Finally, in the face of the rising tensions in the Middle East, our priorities are the same: preserving peace and regional security.

Saudi Arabia remained France’s largest trading partner in the Middle East in 2018, with trade exchanges reaching nearly 10 billion euros, up from the previous year. France ranks as one of the top ten supplier countries to the Kingdom. Nearly 100 French companies are established in the Kingdom. All of these companies contribute to the success of Vision 2030 by providing their internationally recognized expertise, and contribute to Saudi economic development. In fact, the French companies are among the world’s champions in many high value-added sectors, such as energy, agri-food, transportation, sustainable cities, technological innovation and artificial intelligence.

Moreover, with a stock of investments in Saudi Arabia worth more than 4 billion euros, France ranks among the top investors in the Kingdom. It is also a prime host for Saudi investments, with opportunities in sectors of the future such as health, telecommunications, IT, agriculture and renewable energies. Our country’s attractiveness to foreign investors has particularly increased in recent years, and Saudi investors find major comparative advantages, such as an innovative fabric of small and medium-sized enterprises, high-quality training, and modern and highly developed infrastructures.

Saudi Arabia remained France’s largest trading partner in the Middle East in 2018, with trade exchanges reaching nearly 10 billion euros, up from the previous year.

French Ambassador François Gouyette

In addition to strategic partnerships in the political and economic fields, our cooperation with Saudi Arabia is based on close cultural and cooperation ties.

Saudi Arabia has chosen France, the world’s leading tourist destination and cultural hub, to accompany it in the enhancement and development of the exceptional Saudi heritage. In this regard, an intergovernmental agreement signed in Paris in April 2018 as part of a joint project to enhance the exceptional site of Hegra and its region, Al-Ula, is emblematic of the new horizons that are opening up for our two friendly countries.

It is an honor for France to cooperate with Saudi Arabia in this major cultural project through the creation of the French Agency for Al-Ula Development, which is dedicated to the implementation of this cooperation alongside the Saudi Royal Commission for Al-Ula.

France is also proud to have collaborated on more than 100 shows and exhibitions in partnership with the Saudi authorities, including concerts by Jean-Michel Jarre, in celebration of the Saudi National Day, and David Guetta, at the first Formula E competition in Diriyah.

In the field of sport, following the success of the first two Saudi editions of the International Festival of Extreme Sports (FISE), in Jeddah and Al-Ahsa, the Dakar Rally will take place in Saudi Arabia in early 2020 and will be a major global event followed by motorsport fans on the five continents.

In the field of training, France is welcoming more and more Saudi students in the fields of engineering, medicine, hospitality and tourism, and arts and culture.

It is in the light of this relationship of trust and friendship, this shared vision of the major issues of the 21st century, but also the dynamics of our trade and our cultural and tourism cooperation, that I wish to celebrate, on this French national day, our exceptional partnership.

Long live the Franco-Saudi friendship.

• François Gouyette is the Ambassador of France to Saudi Arabia