French President Emmanuel Macron arrived unexpectedly in Riyadh on Tuesday, where he met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as part of his ongoing Gulf tour.
The visit was unannounced, sparking media attention as Macron stepped into a key diplomatic engagement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The meeting took place at the Saudi capital, though details of the agenda were not disclosed by either side.
Macron’s trip to the Gulf region includes stops in several Arab states, reflecting France’s interest in strengthening ties with the Middle East. The surprise stop in Riyadh underscores the importance of the relationship between Paris and the Saudi government.
Neither the French or Saudi foreign ministries released a joint statement outlining the outcomes of the discussion, leaving observers to speculate on the topics covered.
France and Saudi Arabia have maintained diplomatic relations for decades, with both countries engaging in trade, security, and cultural exchanges. Macron’s visit adds a new chapter to this long‑standing partnership.
<small>Source: Al Jazeera — read the original story there.</small>
