PARIS: Saudi Arabia and France called for a negotiated solution on Iran, the restoration of unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and renewed efforts toward Palestinian statehood as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron laid out a broad joint vision for Middle East security and an expanded strategic partnership.
In a joint statement issued following their meeting in Paris on Monday, the two leaders emphasized that stability in the Middle East must be based on the sovereignty of states, respect for international law and the pursuit of political and diplomatic solutions to conflicts and security threats.
Iran featured prominently in the statement, with Riyadh and Paris stressing the need for a negotiated solution to prevent further escalation and ensure regional security.
France's President Emmanuel Macron, center right, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, center left, attend a meeting at the Cercle de l'Union Interalliee in Paris, France, Monday Aug. 24, 2026. (AP)
The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to a diplomatic solution that guarantees the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program and called on Tehran to resume full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
They also condemned attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz and threats to the security of waterways, emphasizing the need to restore navigation through the strategic passage to the conditions that prevailed before Feb. 28, 2026.
The two countries called specifically for freedom of navigation, regular shipping traffic and the absence of direct or indirect tolls or restrictions on passage, in accordance with international law.
FASTFACTS
• Riyadh and Paris demanded unrestricted Hormuz navigation and a negotiated solution to Iran’s nuclear standoff.
• Leaders also backed Palestinian statehood, Lebanon’s sovereignty, Syria’s recovery and deeper defense and economic ties.
On the Palestinian issue, Saudi Arabia and France welcomed the announcement of an agreement on the disarmament of Hamas and called for its implementation.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had a busy day of meetings with senior French government officials in Paris. (AFP)
They stressed the need to create conditions for a sustainable ceasefire and ensure the urgent, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. They also rejected attempts to undermine the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state within the 1967 borders and emphasized the importance of preserving the unity of the Palestinian territories.
Riyadh and Paris also called for an end to Israeli settlement policy and settler violence, which they said threaten the two-state solution, and reiterated their commitment to the full implementation of the New York Declaration.
The two sides reaffirmed their support for the Palestinian Authority’s reform agenda and welcomed the announcement of legislative and presidential elections in Palestine.
Stability in the Middle East must be based on sovereignty, respect for international law and the pursuit of diplomatic solutions.
Joint statement by Saudi Arabia and France
The statement addressed several other regional flashpoints, including Lebanon, Yemen, Sudan and Syria.
On Lebanon, the two leaders agreed to intensify efforts toward a final resolution of the conflict through strengthening the Lebanese state and its institutions while safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had a busy day of meetings with senior French government officials in Paris. (AFP)
They commended President Joseph Aoun and the government of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam for steps taken to rebuild state institutions and extend state authority. Riyadh and Paris also reiterated support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and security forces, called for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and stressed the need to complete the disarmament of all non-state armed groups. They also called for Israel to withdraw from all Lebanese territory.
On Yemen, the two countries reaffirmed support for the Presidential Council and UN efforts to reach an inclusive and comprehensive solution to the crisis.
They condemned Houthi attacks targeting civilian infrastructure and vital facilities in Saudi Arabia, as well as attacks on ships. France expressed its “solidarity and full support” for the Kingdom and rejected attacks on Saudi territory.
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's motorcade during his two-day official visit to France, at the Hotel des Invalides in Paris. (SPA
On Sudan, both sides called for intensified efforts to end the crisis and halt foreign interference while preserving the country’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and institutions.
Saudi Arabia and France also reaffirmed support for Syria’s unity, stability and economic recovery. They highlighted the potential to reposition Syria as a bridge connecting Europe, the Gulf and Asia through alternative routes and welcomed the establishment of a Saudi-Syrian-French business council.
Beyond regional diplomacy, the statement signaled a significant expansion of bilateral cooperation as the two leaders marked a century of political relations between Saudi Arabia and France and presided over the first meeting of the French-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council.
France's President Emmanuel Macron walks towards Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France. (SPA
The two countries adopted a declaration strengthening their historic defense cooperation, including in armaments and training, while committing to greater coordination on global security and stability.
Economic ties were another major focus. Bilateral trade reached about $11.8 billion in 2025, while both countries agreed to strengthen cross-investment and cooperation between financial institutions.
The statement also welcomed Qiddiya Investment Company’s ambition to develop a major mixed-use destination in Cergy-Pontoise in the Île-de-France region, encompassing entertainment, leisure, hospitality, culture and sport. Current ambitions include investment of around €6 billion over the project’s development lifecycle.
Cooperation will also deepen in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and emerging technologies, while the countries agreed to extend their partnership on AlUla until 2035, building on cooperation in archaeology, heritage and culture.
France also confirmed its participation in Riyadh Expo 2030, with both leaders agreeing to make the event a highlight of Saudi-French relations.
The visit saw agreements and memorandums of understanding signed in defense, healthcare, AI, emerging technologies and entertainment, while the French-Saudi Investment Roundtable produced announcements of more than 22 agreements and MoUs across key sectors.
Together, the initiatives underscored a partnership that Riyadh and Paris are seeking to deepen not only around trade and investment, but also around some of the Middle East’s most consequential diplomatic and security challenges.
