RIYADH: As Saudi-French bilateral ties grow both politically and culturally, French Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Patrick Maisonnave sat down with Arab News to discuss the two nations’ roles at a time when the global stage is falling into deeper disarray.
The ambassador shared his thoughts on the situation in Gaza, reaffirming France’s support for a two-state solution. “I believe there is clearly no alternative to the two-state solution,” he said.
The envoy added: “In the current conditions, it may seem out of reach. But if we consider the medium and long term, there will be no coexistence, no regional stability, and no peace in that region without a two-state solution.”
Although the steps needed for international players to move from declaration to implementation were not outlined, Maisonnave asserted that a path must be taken — a strong demand he shares with the Kingdom.
When asked what his thoughts were on the EU’s level of engagement with the conflict in Yemen, the ambassador underlined that the EU and its member states remain key contributors to humanitarian efforts, continuing to provide funding and support for relief operations.
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, the situation in Yemen remains “serious and demanding,” he said, pointing to the scale of needs on the ground.
Maisonnave’s remarks align with broader EU policy, which has focused on increasing humanitarian aid through multi-million-euro funding packages aimed at providing food, healthcare, clean water, and sanitation to vulnerable Yemenis.
The EU has additionally expressed its support for diplomatic and political efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict, but progress toward a comprehensive peace agreement in coordination with the UN and its regional partners has been slow.
“It is also very clear to (France) that for Saudi Arabia, this issue is one of stability and security. We fully support the efforts undertaken by Saudi Arabia to restore peace and stability in Yemen,” the envoy said.
Maisonnave also shared that there are ongoing discussions within the EU regarding designating the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, as the US, Saudi Arabia, Canada, the UK, and New Zealand already have.
Finally, reflecting on years of strong relations between France and Saudi Arabia, amplified by recent accelerated growth, the envoy gave much credit to President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the Kingdom in December 2024 and the strategic partnerships born from it.
“Since then, many efforts have been undertaken across a wide range of fields to deepen cooperation — economic, defense, culture, and more,” Maisonnave said.
Nearly eight years ago, in April 2018, Saudi Arabia and France signed a landmark intergovernmental agreement to cooperate on the sustainable development of the AlUla region.
This agreement launched a long-term strategic partnership, which included the creation of the French Agency for AlUla Development to support the Royal Commission of AlUla in transforming the site into a global cultural and tourism destination.
“In the coming days, we will inaugurate a major cultural exhibition by the Centre Pompidou in AlUla, which I believe will be very successful.
“Beyond AlUla, we also have many exhibitions across the Kingdom.”
Recently, the French Institute in Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with Riyadh Art, launched La Fabrique in the JAX District, a Saudi-French artistic space for creatives to collaborate, exchange ideas, and develop joint exhibitions and programs.
Designed as an open laboratory as well as a living museum, La Fabrique opened on Jan. 22 and will run until Feb. 14.
