President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Riyadh on Monday for a state visit, just as a political crisis threatens the stability of his government back in France. Macron was welcomed by an honor guard and ceremonial cannon fire upon his arrival, though he refrained from commenting on the ongoing political turmoil.
Macron’s visit comes at a critical time, with his minority government facing a potential vote of no confidence that could result in its downfall in the coming days. The three-day visit also coincides with rising violence in Syria, where anti- government rebels have seized control of Aleppo, the country’s second-largest city.
During his stay, Macron is set to hold talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The French presidency stated that the two leaders aim to elevate bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership. Their discussions will focus on regional conflicts, particularly in Lebanon, which will be a key topic in their talks.
Accompanying Macron are around 50 senior officials from major French companies, including Total Energies, EDF, and Veolia, as well as representatives from French startups specializing in artificial intelligence and quantum physics. The visit underscores the importance of strengthening ties between France and Saudi Arabia, particularly in areas of strategic cooperation and regional stability.
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