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Élysée Sources: Macron’s Upcoming Saudi Visit Seen as Exceptional

President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, during their visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral to inspect restoration work following the fire that struck in spring 2019 (AFP)
President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, during their visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral to inspect restoration work following the fire that struck in spring 2019 (AFP)
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Élysée Sources: Macron’s Upcoming Saudi Visit Seen as Exceptional

President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, during their visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral to inspect restoration work following the fire that struck in spring 2019 (AFP)
President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, during their visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral to inspect restoration work following the fire that struck in spring 2019 (AFP)

French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Saudi Arabia on December 2 at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Élysée Palace announced.

Élysée sources described the visit as an “exceptional state visit,” at the highest diplomatic level, reflecting strong ties and a close personal relationship between Macron and the Crown Prince.

Paris views the visit as a “crucial moment” in the evolving ties between France and Saudi Arabia. Both nations aim to elevate their relationship to the level of a “strategic partnership,” which will be formally announced during the visit.

Macron’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia is seen by Paris as a pivotal moment in advancing bilateral ties.

Both nations plan to elevate their relationship to a formal “strategic partnership” during the visit, reflecting shared ambitions for the next decade, underpinned by a joint action plan, according to the Élysée Palace.

Supporting Saudi Transformation

The visit comes as Saudi Arabia undergoes significant economic transformation under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030.

It highlights France’s support for Saudi Vision 2030, including major projects like NEOM, AlUla development, and efforts in renewable energy and cultural initiatives. Paris views this as an opportunity to expand economic and cultural cooperation.

Tackling Regional Crises

Macron and the Crown Prince will address major challenges, including the Gaza conflict, Lebanon’s political stalemate, the Yemen war, and Iran’s nuclear activities.

France aims to work with Saudi Arabia on ceasefires, peace efforts, and humanitarian initiatives, particularly in Gaza and Lebanon.

In Gaza, France seeks Saudi collaboration to push for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and humanitarian protections.

Paris also emphasizes the importance of Saudi contributions through the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to advance a two-state solution for Palestine.

In Lebanon, discussions will focus on consolidating the ceasefire, supporting presidential elections to fill the leadership vacuum, and driving reforms.

France also highlights the importance of rebuilding efforts, estimated at $15 billion, and appreciates Saudi contributions to recent international aid conferences.

The Élysée sees Saudi Arabia’s modernization and social reforms as positioning the Kingdom as a central player in a more interconnected Middle East.

France supports Saudi bids for major global events, such as hosting Expo 2030 and the Winter Olympics, viewing these as opportunities for deeper cooperation.

Macron’s engagement with Iran will also be discussed, as France seeks to balance dialogue with Tehran while urging it to cease actions that destabilize the region.

The French President’s schedule includes high-level meetings, a visit to Riyadh Metro, the Saudi-French Economic Forum, and cultural stops in Diriyah and AlUla.

The trip underscores France’s commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s transformation and promoting stability in the region.

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Gulf

Gulf Leaders Convene in Kuwait

The Gulf Summit on Sunday will discuss regional and international challenges. (KUNA)
The Gulf Summit on Sunday will discuss regional and international challenges. (KUNA)
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Gulf Leaders Convene in Kuwait

The Gulf Summit on Sunday will discuss regional and international challenges. (KUNA)
The Gulf Summit on Sunday will discuss regional and international challenges. (KUNA)

The 45th Summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is taking place this Sunday in Kuwait, focusing on key regional and international developments. Topics on the agenda include the ongoing conflict in Gaza, developments in Lebanon, Red Sea security, and recent events in Syria. Additionally, the summit will address critical issues within the GCC, such as military, security, and economic cooperation among the six member states.

The GCC leaders are also exploring ways to enhance economic and political cooperation with global partners, particularly China.

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi announced that negotiations for a free trade agreement with China have reached their final stage, with hopes for completion in December or the near future.

Al-Budaiwi emphasized the Gulf states’ esteemed position on the global stage, achieved through a unified foreign policy committed to international peace and security.

In a media briefing, Al-Budaiwi remarked: “The international community views the GCC as a credible and trusted strategic partner with no hidden agendas.”

Regional and International Challenges

Gulf diplomats and analysts note that the summit, held amidst significant global and regional turmoil, will focus on pressing challenges.

Former GCC Secretary-General Dr. Abdullah Bishara stated: “This summit comes at a time of critical uncertainties in the region and the world, necessitating decisive and appropriate actions by GCC states and the adoption of effective diplomacy.”

Bishara added that more than 40 years after the GCC’s inception, the framework for cooperation requires further enhancement, particularly in defense, security, diplomacy, and economic collaboration.

Dr. Mohamed Al-Rumaihi, a sociology professor at Kuwait University, noted that the GCC has steered the region through pivotal crises, including the Iran-Iraq War, the liberation of Kuwait, the Arab Spring, and the COVID-19 pandemic. He praised the wisdom of GCC leaders, which has prevented the region from sliding into wars and conflicts while achieving significant economic milestones.

Dr. Yaqoub Al-Kandari, an anthropologist and acting director of the Center for Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies at Kuwait University, pointed out that the summit will address pressing regional and international challenges, particularly the Palestinian issue and Israeli aggression in Gaza and Lebanon.

For his part, former Kuwaiti Information Minister Saad Bin Tafla described the summit as a testament to the GCC’s seriousness in addressing regional challenges, recalling the Gulf states’ united stance during Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990.

Dr. Aayed Al-Mana, a political researcher, stressed that this summit prioritizes security and economic issues. He highlighted the need for enhanced economic integration among GCC states, diversification of income sources, and the development of local industries to achieve self-sufficiency.

Al-Mana further noted that regional challenges, including Israeli aggression in Gaza and South Lebanon and tensions in the Red Sea, demand unified Gulf coordination. He called for developing shared laws among GCC states, particularly in economy, mobility, and investment, to foster greater regional cohesion.