Saudi Arabia, France Stress Importance of Strengthening Defense Cooperation

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz at the Elysée. SPA
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz at the Elysée. SPA
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Saudi Arabia, France Stress Importance of Strengthening Defense Cooperation

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz at the Elysée. SPA
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz at the Elysée. SPA

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and French President Emmanuel Macron stressed during talks they held at the Elysée Palace in Paris the need for continuous evaluation of the security and stability of the Middle East.

A final statement was issued on Friday concerning the visit of the Crown Prince to the French capital. It said the two sides discussed the historical and strategic relations between the two countries, and the means to develop them in all fields. They also exchanged views on the current regional and international developments.

The discussions also focused on ways to deepen the investment partnership between the two countries by enhancing cooperation in renewable energy - including solar and wind energy – and in clean hydrogen, and adhering to the principles of the Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.

The talks touched on aspects of strategic partnerships and ways to develop them, the importance of stabilizing global energy markets, and sustaining food supplies of wheat and grains to all countries, and maintaining an abundance of supply and price stability.

The Crown Prince and Macron stressed the need for continuous evaluation of the common threats to the two sides’ interests and the security and stability of the Middle East and the importance of strengthening defense cooperation and partnership.
The talks also touched on discussing ways to develop and enhance cooperation and coordination on issues of common concern, including combating terrorism and its financing, combating all forms of crimes, and exchanging expertise and training.

They tackled the importance of resolving international disputes through diplomatic and peaceful means, adherence to the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of good neighborliness, and respect for the unity and sovereignty of countries.
The French side commended the Kingdom's efforts and support for the truce in Yemen. The Kingdom's appreciation for France's support for UN efforts to reach a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis per the three references was also underscored.

They discussed the two countries' support for Lebanon's sovereignty, security, and stability, and the importance of implementing comprehensive political and economic reforms. They also expressed their satisfaction with the Saudi-French Fund's efforts to support humanitarian and relief work in Lebanon per the highest standards of transparency.

The Crown Prince and Macron had common views on the need to intensify efforts to reach a comprehensive and just settlement to the Palestinian issue based on the two-state solution, relevant international legitimacy resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative, in a manner that ensures the Palestinian people’s right to establish their independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The talks stressed the importance of reaching a political solution to the Syrian crisis that preserves the territorial integrity of Syria and the safety of its people.

The two sides also touched on international efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, to ensure that Iran's nuclear program is peaceful, and urge Tehran to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency, maintain the principles of good neighborliness and non-interference in the internal affairs of the regional countries.

The Crown Prince expressed to Macron the Kingdom's appreciation for France's support for the candidacy of Riyadh to host the World Expo 2030.



Saudi Crown Prince Heads Kingdom’s Delegation at 45th GCC Supreme Council Session

A group photo was taken of the leaders and heads of delegations participating in the 45th GCC Supreme Council Session - SPA
A group photo was taken of the leaders and heads of delegations participating in the 45th GCC Supreme Council Session - SPA
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Saudi Crown Prince Heads Kingdom’s Delegation at 45th GCC Supreme Council Session

A group photo was taken of the leaders and heads of delegations participating in the 45th GCC Supreme Council Session - SPA
A group photo was taken of the leaders and heads of delegations participating in the 45th GCC Supreme Council Session - SPA

The 45th session of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) kicked off Sunday in Kuwait.
Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud led the Kingdom's delegation.
During the session, Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, chairman of the current GCC Supreme Council session, delivered a speech emphasizing the significance of the GCC's joint efforts and addressing recent regional and global developments.
GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi also addressed the summit, expressing gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting the two sessions of the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit. He highlighted the importance of implementing a two-state solution and establishing an independent Palestinian state, SPA reported.
The leaders and heads of delegations then participated in a closed session.
The Saudi delegation included Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of State and Cabinet Member Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of State, Cabinet Member, and National Security Advisor Dr. Musaed Al-Aiban, Minister of Finance Mohammed Al-Jadaan, and Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser.