Macron meets Mohammed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia.. What happened in the previously unannounced visit?

On Wednesday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with French President Emmanuel Macron, and they discussed “aspects of joint cooperation and coordination of efforts to enhance security and stability at the regional and international levels.” The Saudi News Agency (SPA) reported that the Crown Prince received Macron at Al-Yamamah Palace in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, where they reviewed “the historical and strategic relations between the two countries, aspects of existing Saudi-French cooperation, and ways to enhance it in various fields, in a way that serves the common interests of the two countries.”

She added that they exchanged "views regarding developments in the regional and international situation, and coordinated the necessary efforts regarding them, in a way that enhances regional and international security and stability." The visit came without prior announcement, and a statement by the French presidency stated that it aims to show France’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia “in the face of the attacks launched by the Houthis on its territory,” and to continue efforts aimed at securing hydrocarbon supplies and diversifying their sources.

Saudi Arabia is facing missile and drone attacks by the Iranian-backed Yemeni Houthi group, in light of growing concerns about regional security, maritime trade routes, and global energy supplies. France is one of a growing number of countries that support Saudi Arabia's efforts to confront Houthi attacks, at a time when tensions are escalating in the Gulf and Red Sea regions.

French President Emmanuel Macron's tour of the Gulf countries also aims to secure additional supplies of diesel and gasoline, and reduce energy prices in France. The increasing costs fueled the protests and increased pressure on the French president. According to the French presidency, an agreement was reached to extend the supply of additional quantities of diesel - previously agreed upon with Saudi Arabia - "for the necessary number of months", in order to help ensure energy security in France.

The Elysee Palace reported that Saudi Arabia expressed its satisfaction with French assistance in protecting vital energy infrastructure in Yanbu, a major oil export center on the Red Sea coast. The two countries also agreed to hold consultations in the near future to expand cooperation on security issues.

France and Saudi Arabia also agreed to work on infrastructure projects aimed at reducing the risks associated with any disturbances in the Strait of Hormuz, which is one of the world's most important sea lanes for energy exports. According to the statement, the relevant ministers will supervise and follow up on the implementation of these projects.