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 Arabia Condemns RSF Attacks on Civilians and Aid Convoys in Sudan

 An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)
An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia Condemns RSF Attacks on Civilians and Aid Convoys in Sudan

 An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)
An elderly man picks up his food aid ration at the Umdulu Camp, in Engpung County, Sudan, January 30, 2026. (Karl Schembri/Norweigan Refugee Council/Handout via Reuters)

Saudi Arabia strongly condemned on Saturday the Rapid Support Forces’ attack against a humanitarian aid convoy in Sudan’s Kordofan.

A Foreign Ministry statement said the Kingdom expressed its strong condemnation of the attack against Al-Kuweik Military Hospital, a humanitarian aid convoy affiliated with the World Food Program, and a vehicle transporting displaced civilians.

“These acts are unjustifiable under any circumstances and are flagrant violations of all humanitarian norms and relevant international agreements,” it stressed.

“The Kingdom called on the RSF to immediately cease these violations and to fulfill their moral and humanitarian obligations by ensuring the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need, in accordance with international humanitarian law and the Jeddah Declaration signed on May 11, 2023,” it added.

The Kingdom reiterated its firm position in support of Sudan’s unity, security, and stability, the need to preserve its legitimate institutions.

It voiced its rejection of “foreign interference and the continued actions of certain parties in supplying illicit weapons, mercenaries, and foreign fighters, despite their stated support for a political solution,” saying such “conduct is a primary factor in prolonging the conflict and exacerbating the suffering of the Sudanese people.”

A drone attack by the RSF hit a vehicle carrying displaced families in central Sudan Saturday, killing at least 24 people, including eight children, a doctors’ group said, a day after a World Food Program aid convoy was targeted.

The attack occurred close to the city of Rahad in North Kordofan province, said the Sudan Doctors Network, which tracks the country’s ongoing war. The vehicle was transporting displaced people who fled fighting in the Dubeiker area, the group said in a statement. Among the dead children were two infants.


OIC Condemns Terrorist Bombing of Mosque in Islamabad

A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)
A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)
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OIC Condemns Terrorist Bombing of Mosque in Islamabad

A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)
A Pakistani man reacts as people attend a protest against the suicide bomb blast that killed dozens of people, in Peshawar, Pakistan, 07 February 2026. (EPA)

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) General Secretariat strongly condemned on Saturday the terrorist bombing that targeted a mosque in Islamabad.

The secretariat stressed its categorical rejection of terrorism in all its forms, especially those targeting places of worship.

It underlined its firm stance in condemning these criminal acts, which are contrary to human values and religious principles.

The OIC offered its sincere condolences to the government and people of Pakistan and to the families of the victims.

It also reiterated its full solidarity with Pakistan in its efforts to combat terrorism and boost its security and stability.

At least 30 people killed in a suicide bombing at a Muslim mosque during Friday prayers.


Bahrain, France Sign Defense Cooperation Agreement

Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, France's President Emmanuel Macron and Junior Minister at the Ministry of Defense, Alice Rufo, pose after signing a bilateral agreement at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 6, 2026. (Thibault Camus/Pool via Reuter)
Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, France's President Emmanuel Macron and Junior Minister at the Ministry of Defense, Alice Rufo, pose after signing a bilateral agreement at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 6, 2026. (Thibault Camus/Pool via Reuter)
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Bahrain, France Sign Defense Cooperation Agreement

Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, France's President Emmanuel Macron and Junior Minister at the Ministry of Defense, Alice Rufo, pose after signing a bilateral agreement at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 6, 2026. (Thibault Camus/Pool via Reuter)
Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, France's President Emmanuel Macron and Junior Minister at the Ministry of Defense, Alice Rufo, pose after signing a bilateral agreement at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 6, 2026. (Thibault Camus/Pool via Reuter)

Bahrain and France signed on Friday a joint defense cooperation agreement during talks between King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa met with President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

The French presidency said the agreement consolidates cooperation in the field of defense, training and exchange of strategic information.

“This agreement will ⁠also open ‌up ‍new ‍opportunities for industrial ‍cooperation in defense, and strengthen solidarity between our two countries in a ⁠global and regional geopolitical context marked by increasing tensions,” it added.

The agreement was signed by Bahrain’s National Security Adviser and Secretary General of the Supreme Defense Council Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and France’s Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Alice Rufo.

Macron highlighted the depth of the historical relations between Bahrain and France, as well as the progress achieved across various domains in support of common interests, reported Bahrain’s state news agency (BNA).

For his part, King Hamad commended the French president’s keenness to strengthen relations between the two countries.

The talks also addressed means to bolster bilateral relations across all sectors to achieve shared interests.

Both sides commended the efforts of the Joint Bahraini-French High Committee. They highlighted the positive outcomes achieved in advancing cooperation and underlined the importance of continuing the committee’s work to expand cooperation across various domains.

The talks addressed regional and international developments, and efforts aimed at resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomatic solutions and reducing tensions.