Saudi Arabia and France announced 21 agreements and memoranda of understanding covering several sectors following Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman’s state visit to France.
The Crown Prince visited France from August 23 to 24, 2026, and held official talks with French President Emmanuel Macron.
A joint statement issued after the visit said the leaders agreed to strengthen the strategic partnership between their countries as they marked 100 years since the establishment of political relations.
The partnership was announced during President Macron’s state visit to Saudi Arabia from December 2 to 4, 2024.
Strategic Partnership Council
The two leaders chaired the first meeting of the French-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council and launched initiatives intended to expand cooperation in different sectors.
They also presented a shared approach to Middle East stability based on state sovereignty, respect for international law and political and diplomatic solutions to conflicts and security threats.
Iran and Strait of Hormuz
Saudi Arabia and France called for a negotiated solution concerning Iran to prevent further escalation and protect regional security.
They reaffirmed their support for a diplomatic settlement that guarantees the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme and called on Tehran to resume full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The two countries condemned attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and threats to maritime security.
They called for navigation in the strait to return to the conditions that existed before February 28, 2026, including freedom of navigation, regular shipping traffic and the absence of direct or indirect tolls or restrictions on passage.
Gaza and Palestinian statehood
The leaders welcomed the announcement of an agreement on the disarmament of Hamas and called for its implementation.
They stressed the need to create conditions for a sustainable ceasefire and ensure the urgent, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.
Saudi Arabia and France rejected attempts to undermine the unity of the Palestinian territories or the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state within the 1967 borders.
They called for an end to Israeli settlement activity and settler violence, saying both threaten the two-state solution.
The two countries reiterated their commitment to implementing the New York Declaration, supported the Palestinian Authority’s reform programme and welcomed the announcement of Palestinian legislative and presidential elections.
Lebanon
Saudi Arabia and France agreed to intensify efforts toward a final resolution of the conflict in Lebanon.
They said any settlement should strengthen the Lebanese state and its institutions while preserving the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The leaders commended steps taken by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and the government led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to rebuild state institutions and extend state authority.
They reaffirmed support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and security forces and called for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
They also called for the disarmament of all non-state armed groups and the withdrawal of Israel from all Lebanese territory.
Yemen
The two countries reaffirmed their support for Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council and UN efforts to reach an inclusive and comprehensive settlement.
They condemned Houthi attacks on civilian infrastructure and vital facilities in Saudi Arabia, as well as attacks on ships.
The statement said Houthi actions were worsening humanitarian suffering in Yemen.
France expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and rejected attacks on the Kingdom’s territory.
Both sides also affirmed their commitment to preserving freedom of navigation.
Sudan and Syria
On Sudan, Saudi Arabia and France called for stronger efforts to end the crisis and halt foreign interference.
They stressed the need to preserve Sudan’s security, stability, sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and state institutions.
The leaders also reaffirmed their support for Syria’s unity, stability and economic recovery.
They called for a strong institutional framework capable of attracting investment and supported plans to position Syria as a bridge between Europe, the Gulf and Asia through alternative routes.
They welcomed the establishment of a Saudi-Syrian-French business council.
Defence cooperation
Saudi Arabia and France adopted a declaration to strengthen defence cooperation, including in armaments and training.
They agreed to increase coordination in support of shared interests and international security and stability.
The leaders said bilateral trade reached about $11.8 billion in 2025.
They agreed to expand economic ties and cross-border investment, noting France’s position as a major investor in Saudi energy, water management, transport and logistics.
They also called for closer cooperation between banks, financial institutions, insurers and financing bodies in both countries.
Saudi Arabia and France agreed to establish a dedicated financial framework to support projects carried out by French companies in the Kingdom.
Energy cooperation
The two sides stressed the importance of stable global energy markets, secure supplies and protected maritime routes.
They commended Saudi Arabia’s role in strengthening supply-chain resilience and supporting sustainable energy sources.
The leaders called for further cooperation in oil, petrochemicals, energy efficiency, renewable energy, energy storage, peaceful nuclear energy, clean hydrogen and technologies for reducing and removing emissions.
They also agreed to expand cooperation on climate issues, technical solutions and professional capacity building.
Qiddiya project in France
The two countries welcomed Qiddiya Investment Company’s plan to develop a large mixed-use destination in Cergy-Pontoise in France’s Île-de-France region.
The proposed development would bring together entertainment, leisure, hospitality, culture and sport.
Current plans include up to three major entertainment attractions, hotels and other leisure facilities, with investment estimated at about €6 billion over the project’s development period.
Saudi Arabia and France agreed to deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, emerging technologies and skills development.
Agreements signed during the visit also covered healthcare and entertainment.
The two countries extended their partnership on AlUla until 2035.
Cooperation will continue in archaeology, heritage and culture under Saudi Vision 2030, with a revised framework reflecting the development of the partnership and AlUla’s role as an international cultural and heritage destination.
Culture, sport and Expo 2030
Saudi Arabia and France welcomed the outcome of the third Esports World Cup, held in Paris during the summer of 2026.
They agreed to expand joint programmes in culture, youth and sport.
President Macron confirmed France’s participation in Expo 2030 Riyadh, with both leaders agreeing to make the event a major part of French-Saudi relations and involve relevant organisations from both countries.
The leaders also welcomed the results of the French-Saudi Investment Roundtable, which brought together senior executives and private-sector representatives.
Discussions covered energy, industry, financial services, transport, logistics, healthcare, culture, tourism and artificial intelligence.
The roundtable concluded with the announcement of 21 agreements and memoranda of understanding intended to support further cooperation and joint investment.