Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed in Paris the importance of stabilizing energy and food supply markets and stressed the need to deepen the investment partnership between the two countries, according to a joint final statement published by the Saudi Press Agency.
The statement said: Within the framework of the distinguished bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the French Republic, and at the kind invitation of His Excellency the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister paid an official visit to the French Republic during the period.
28-30/12/1443 AH corresponding to 27-29/7/2022 AH, when His Highness met with the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron, and at the beginning of the meeting, His Highness conveyed the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques – may God protect him – to His Excellency.
2- During the meeting, a session of official talks was held, in which the historical and strategic relations between the two countries were reviewed and ways of developing them in all fields. Views were exchanged on the overall current regional and international situation.
3- The discussions included ways to deepen the investment partnership between the two countries by raising the pace of investment and economic cooperation, enhancing cooperation in the fields of renewable energy such as solar and wind energy, cooperation in the field of clean hydrogen, adhering to the principles of the Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, and the need to develop and implement climate agreements with focus. On emissions, not on sources.
4- The talks touched on aspects of strategic partnership and ways to develop it, the importance of stabilizing global energy markets, stabilizing and uninterrupted food supplies of wheat and grains to all countries of the world, and maintaining an abundance of supply and price stability.
5- During the talks, it was stressed the need for continuous evaluation of the common threats to the interests of the two countries and the security and stability of the Middle East region, and the importance of strengthening cooperation and partnership in the defence fields. The talks also dealt with discussing ways to develop and enhance cooperation and coordination on issues of common interest, including combating terrorism and its financing, combating crimes in all their forms, and exchanging experiences and training.
6- The discussions also touched on the importance of resolving international disputes by diplomatic and peaceful means, adherence to the Charter of the United Nations, the principles of good neighbourliness, respect for the unity and sovereignty of states, and non-interference in their internal affairs.
7- The French side commended the Kingdom’s efforts and support for the truce in Yemen and the Kingdom’s appreciation for France’s support for UN efforts to reach a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis in accordance with the three references.
8- The talks discussed the two countries’ support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, security and stability and the importance of implementing comprehensive political and economic reforms. They expressed their satisfaction with the work of the Saudi-French Fund to support humanitarian and relief work in Lebanon with the highest standards of transparency.
9- The talks dealt with the convergence of views on the need to intensify efforts to reach a comprehensive and just settlement of the Palestinian issue in accordance with the principle of the two-state solution, relevant international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, in a manner that guarantees the Palestinian people their right to establish their independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
10 – The talks included the importance of reaching a political solution to the crisis in Syria that preserves the territorial integrity of Syria and the safety of its people. It also touched on international efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, to ensure the peace of Iran’s nuclear program, and urge Iran to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency, maintain the principles of good neighbourliness and non-interference in the internal affairs of countries in the region.
11- His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, expressed to His Excellency President Emmanuel Macron the Kingdom’s appreciation for France’s support for the candidacy of Riyadh to host the World Expo 2030.
12- At the conclusion of the visit, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister expressed his thanks and appreciation to the President of the French Republic, President Emmanuel Macron, for the warm reception and hospitality accorded to him and his accompanying delegation. For his part, His Excellency expressed his best wishes for the health and happiness of His Highness and for further progress and advancement for the friendly people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
