Deputy Foreign Minister discusses strengthening relations with French senators
During his meeting with a high-level delegation from the French Senate, His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs discussed the distinguished bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the French Republic, and ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields in order to serve the interests of the two countries and the two friendly peoples.
The depth of Saudi-French relations
This visit comes within the framework of the historical and deep-rooted relations between Riyadh and Paris, which extend over decades of fruitful cooperation. Saudi-French relations are distinguished as a model of effective strategic partnerships, based on a long legacy of mutual understanding and shared visions on numerous international issues. France is a key partner for the Kingdom in Europe, while the Kingdom represents a pillar of stability and France's most important economic partner in the Middle East.
Partnership in light of Vision 2030
During the meeting, the two sides discussed the promising opportunities for cooperation offered by Saudi Vision 2030, where French companies and expertise play a pivotal role in many of the Kingdom's mega-projects. This cooperation encompasses several vital sectors, including energy, culture, tourism, technology, and defense. The Al-Ula development project stands out as a prime example of the depth of this cultural and civilizational collaboration, reflecting both parties' desire to broaden the scope of their partnership to include sustainable development and innovation.
The importance of parliamentary diplomacy
The meeting with the French Senate delegation is of particular importance as it strengthens the path of "parliamentary diplomacy," which works alongside official diplomatic channels to bridge viewpoints and deepen mutual understanding of shared issues. Such visits contribute to opening direct channels of dialogue between legislators in both countries, facilitating the exchange of legislative expertise and supporting the legal frameworks necessary to encourage investment and trade.
Coordinating positions on regional and international issues
On the political front, the meeting addressed regional and international developments and efforts to achieve security and stability in the region. The Kingdom and France share many positions on Middle Eastern issues, particularly regarding combating terrorism, supporting peaceful solutions to conflicts, and ensuring the security of waterways and energy supplies. This meeting underscores the commitment of both parties to continued coordination and consultation to address current global challenges.
