French Minister of Foreign Trade Nicole Bricq said in a speech Thursday that Saudi Arabia is pivotal to stability in the region and represents a strategic trade partner to France, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

This came during a meeting Bricq held with visiting Minister of Health Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah.

Bricq also said Saudi Arabia enjoys very strong economic sway, vast production and diversified energy sources, in addition to enjoying a firm financial system that was steadfast in the face of the recent international financial crisis.

Al-Rabeeah said Saudi Arabia is committed to maintaining strong political and commercial ties with France. He also stated that Saudi Arabia is going through an unprecedented development phase, making it conducive for investment opportunities in all fields.

The meeting was also attended by Saudi Ambassador to France Mohammed Al-Ashaikh, Chairman of the Saudi French Business Council Mohammed bin Ladin, and an accompanying delegation.