Saudi-French talks in the Shura Council to enhance joint cooperation
In the context of strengthening parliamentary diplomacy and consolidating bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the French Republic, His Excellency the Vice President of the Shura Council, Dr. Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Sulami, met at the Council’s headquarters in Riyadh with a high-level delegation from the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and the Armed Forces of the French Senate, headed by Senator Cedric Perrin.
The depth of Saudi-French relations
This visit is a continuation of the deep-rooted and historic relations between the Kingdom and France, characterized by a strategic partnership across various political, economic, and security fields. These meetings are particularly significant given the Kingdom's ambitious development initiatives under Vision 2030, with France being a vital partner in numerous development, cultural, and defense projects. Both sides are committed to exchanging views on regional and international issues, reflecting a shared vision regarding the necessity of establishing security and stability in the region and the world.
The importance of parliamentary cooperation
During the meeting, Dr. Al-Sulami welcomed the French delegation, emphasizing that parliamentary cooperation is a fundamental pillar in supporting joint governmental efforts. He noted that parliamentary friendship committees play a pivotal role in bridging viewpoints and coordinating positions in international parliamentary forums. The two sides discussed ways to develop mechanisms for joint work between the Shura Council and the French Senate, in a manner that serves the interests of both countries and their friendly peoples, and contributes to opening new horizons for bilateral cooperation.
Details of the discussions and attendance
The meeting addressed several topics of mutual interest, particularly in the areas of foreign affairs and defense, and explored opportunities to enhance legislative and oversight cooperation. The Shura Council delegation included a number of specialized members: Lieutenant General Awad Al-Balawi, Chairman of the Security and Military Affairs Committee; Mr. Mohammed Al-Hamdi, Chairman of the Saudi-French Parliamentary Friendship Committee; Dr. Latifa Al-Abdulkarim, Vice-Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee; and Mr. Abdullah Al-Madi, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee.
On the French side, the delegation included prominent figures from the Senate, including Senator Rachid Temal, Vice-President of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense, and the Armed Forces; Senator François Bonneau, Secretary of the Committee; and Mr. Marc Schurr, Director of Administrative Affairs for the Committee. The meeting concluded with an emphasis on the importance of continuing the exchange of visits and expertise to strengthen the bonds of friendship and ongoing cooperation.
