Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman departed for France on an official visit, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Friday.
– French President Emmanuel Macron will host the Crown Prince to discuss current tensions in the Middle East, the French president’s office announced on Thursday.
– The visit, scheduled for Aug. 23-Aug. 24, will be an opportunity for MBS and Macron to discuss regional issues within the framework of close collaboration between France and its Gulf partners, Macron’s office said.
– The Crown Prince’s visit also comes at a time when Western and Gulf leaders try to mediate an end to the US-Iran war, which started in February when joint US-Israeli airstrikes bombarded Iran.
– Western and Gulf leaders are also working to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
– During his trip to Paris, MBS is expected to attend the E-Sports World Cup on Aug. 23.
– MBS last visited France in December 2024.
– The first Franco-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council meeting is scheduled to be held during the visit as well.