RIYADH: On the occasion of France’s National Day on July 14, French Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Patrick Maisonnave highlighted the strength and momentum of relations between Paris and Riyadh in an interview with Arab News en Francais, as the two countries prepare to celebrate the centenary of their diplomatic relations in 2026.
He noted that this year marks the centenary of France’s recognition of King Abdulaziz’s sovereignty over the territories of Nejd and Hejaz. The anniversary reflects, in his view, a relationship that is “historic, strong and forward-looking,” now underpinned by regular political dialogue between President Emmanuel Macron and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The ambassador said French president’s state visit to Saudi Arabia in December 2024 marked a major milestone in strengthening the two countries’ global strategic partnership. He added that upcoming political milestones should further deepen and expand the relationship.
Maisonnave also highlighted the expansion of bilateral cooperation, which now covers all the priorities of Vision 2030. Culture, heritage, tourism, energy, transport, defense, healthcare, artificial intelligence, technology, education and urban development are among the main areas of collaboration.
The AlUla project remains, in his view, “the most emblematic example” of this momentum. The initiative combines heritage preservation, sustainable tourism development, archeology, architecture, museography and talent development, reflecting the shared ambitions of both countries.
The ambassador also cited culture as a pillar of the Franco-Saudi relationship, referring to the launch of “La Fabrique,” an incubator for Franco-Saudi cultural projects. He also highlighted growing cooperation in the digital and entertainment sectors, particularly electronic sports.
In this regard, he described Saudi Arabia’s decision to choose Paris to host this summer’s Esports World Cup as “an act of confidence toward France,” demonstrating that the partnership now extends “to the new industries of sport, entertainment, digital technology and innovation.”
At the regional level, Maisonnave described France as a “present, reliable and consistent” partner for the Gulf countries. He reaffirmed France’s commitment to regional security, freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and efforts toward de-escalation.
The ambassador also highlighted areas of convergence between Paris and Riyadh on key issues, including Gulf security, implementation of the two-state solution in the Middle East, support for Lebanon’s territorial integrity and efforts to stabilize Syria.
For Maisonnave, these shared priorities reflect the two countries’ commitment to diplomacy, respect for international law and the pursuit of political solutions in the interest of regional stability.
These convergences, he said, illustrate the depth of the strategic partnership between France and Saudi Arabia. “All our efforts are moving in the same direction: regional stability must be achieved through diplomacy, respect for international law and the search for political solutions,” he added.
The envoy said this approach reflects the essence of the Franco-Saudi partnership: “a strong bilateral relationship and continuous cooperation in the service of regional stability.”
