RIYADH: On July 14, Bastille Day, France marks the founding values of its republic — liberty, equality and fraternity — and celebrates its ties with global partners.
The holiday, rooted in the 1789 storming of the Bastille that marked a turning point in the French Revolution, was first celebrated in 1790 at the Fete de la Federation and officially declared a national holiday in 1880. It remains a symbol of unity, democracy and openness.
Speaking to Arab News, Patrick Maisonnave, France’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, reflected on relations between Paris and Riyadh.
He noted the growing strategic partnership, expanding economic cooperation, increasing presence of French companies in the Kingdom, cultural and tourism exchanges and France’s role in promoting regional stability.
After a year in Riyadh, Maisonnave described the relationship as “vibrant.”
“The dynamic is very positive,” he said. “This first year allowed us to formalize our strategic partnership, as evidenced by the historic state visit of the French president last December.”
The two countries had worked to deepen cooperation in the political, economic, cultural and defense fields, he said.
France and Saudi Arabia were now trusted strategic partners, something that was evidence by the frequent meetings between the crown prince and the French president, he said.
France is the second-largest foreign investor in Saudi Arabia, with major projects in energy, infrastructure, transport and healthcare.
“It’s not said enough,” Maisonnave said. “France is the second-largest foreign investor in Saudi Arabia, particularly in strategic sectors like renewable energy, transport and health.”
Projects include TotalEnergies’ partnership with Saudi Aramco in managing the SATORP refinery and developing the Amiral petrochemical complex. Engie has nearly $9 billion worth of energy and water assets and EDF is involved in desalination (Amaala) and power generation (Taiba and Qasim) projects worth about $5 billion.
French firms are also contributing to the Riyadh Metro and the AlUla experiential tramway, while Airbus has secured more than 300 aircraft orders from Saudia, Flynas, Riyadh Air and AviLease.
Other French companies active in Saudi Arabia include Veolia, Accor, Bouygues, Alstom, Thales and JCDecaux, contributing to urban development and infrastructure.
“I am pleased with the technologies we bring in support of Vision 2030,” the ambassador said.
More than 200 French companies are operating in the Kingdom, employing about 13,000 people. The Franco-Saudi Business Council, which has more than 300 members, reflects this growing activity.
Maisonnave said the council’s membership was about 75 percent Saudi-French companies and 25 percent French firms operating in Saudi Arabia.
Last month 34 French companies established regional headquarters in the Kingdom. The ambassador also welcomed the opening of the Public Investment Fund office in Paris.
“This sends a strong signal of the Kingdom’s intention to deepen investments in France and Europe, especially in forward-looking sectors,” he said.
On the subject of tourism cooperation, Maisonnave highlighted France’s expertise in promoting landscapes, heritage, culture and gastronomy, which he said was appreciated by Saudis throughout the year.
French expertise is being applied in the development of AlUla, supported by the French Agency for AlUla Development, in archaeology, sustainability, hospitality and tourism training.
Maisonnave noted France’s involvement in other parts of the Kingdom, including museum construction, sports infrastructure, hotel and event management, and training programs.
He has visited several major projects such as Diriyah, Qiddiya, King Salman Park, the King Salman International Airport and Expo 2030.
“These projects will contribute to transforming the Kingdom’s image. I am proud each time French expertise is called upon,” he said.
The resumption of Air France’s direct Paris–Riyadh route is seen as a step that strengthens ties.
“Saudis appreciate France and more French citizens are visiting Saudi Arabia, discovering its holy sites, archaeological heritage, beaches, entertainment options and its football league,” Maisonnave said.
On cultural cooperation, he said more than 15 French archaeological missions were active in Saudi Arabia.
Maisonnave also highlighted support for initiatives like the creation of Saudi Arabia’s first national ballet and training programs for students in fashion and gastronomy.
Two key projects are planned in the coming months. On Oct. 2, Villa Hegra in AlUla will be inaugurated as a residence for both Saudi and French artists.
In January 2026, the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale will open a Franco-Saudi “Factory” dedicated to dance and immersive arts, the ambassador said.
Following the president’s visit, a French Institute was opened in Saudi Arabia to organize and enhance cooperation across various cultural and educational fields, he said.
Maisonnave said lasting political solutions were essential for regional stability. Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, he said that real stability required implementing a two-state solution that addressed the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians and Israel’s security concerns.
He condemned the violence, describing the events of Oct. 7, the massacres in Gaza and extremist settler attacks as violations of international law and shared human values.
“I am deeply concerned by short-term policies that will only lead to more atrocious suffering, bloodshed unfortunately calls for more blood,” he said.
France and Saudi Arabia would soon co-chair a conference at the UN General Assembly to advance the two-state solution, with all countries invited to propose concrete measures, Maisonnave said.
Beyond Palestine, he noted growing coordination between Paris and Riyadh on regional issues including Lebanon, Iran’s nuclear program and Syria.
He concluded by highlighting the strength of the political relationship between the two countries, expressing confidence that “Saudi Arabia and France can play a constructive role across the region.”
