Crown Prince and Macron discuss containing the escalation in the Middle East
Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received a telephone call from His Excellency President Emmanuel Macron of France. Discussions between the two leaders focused on the latest regional developments, particularly the recent military escalation and its serious repercussions for the security and stability of the region and the world.
Context of the current crisis
This contact comes in the wake of an unprecedented Iranian attack targeting Israel with hundreds of drones and missiles, which was a response to the attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus in early April. This development has sparked widespread international concern about the region sliding into a full-blown war, prompting major powers, including France and Saudi Arabia, to intensify their diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis and prevent its escalation.
The Kingdom's position and the importance of regional stability
During the call, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince reiterated the Kingdom's firm stance, expressing the Kingdom's condemnation of actions that threaten the stability of the region. He emphasized that the Kingdom is taking all necessary measures to defend its security and territorial integrity, while simultaneously affirming its full support for brotherly nations in preserving their sovereignty and security. The Saudi position reflects a deep concern for sparing the region further conflicts, given their direct impact on regional security and global economic interests, considering the Kingdom's status as a pivotal regional power and the world's largest oil exporter.
International dimension and Saudi-French coordination
For his part, President Macron's call underscores France's active role in Middle East diplomacy and Paris's commitment to coordinating with key partners in the region, such as Saudi Arabia. Riyadh and Paris share a common vision regarding the importance of maintaining stability and preventing a security vacuum that could be exploited by actors seeking to destabilize the region. These discussions take place within the framework of the strategic relationship between the two countries, which encompasses political coordination and cooperation in defense and economic fields, making such communication essential during times of crisis.
Both sides agreed on the importance of continuing consultations and coordination and exerting all possible efforts to call for restraint and de-escalation. This high-level conversation underscores the pivotal role of preventive diplomacy in managing international crises, as key players seek to build a united front to press for peaceful solutions and avert the catastrophic consequences of a large-scale regional war that could have global repercussions.
