France’s Macron Courts Saudi Arabia Amid Geopolitical Turmoil, Domestic Pressure

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Riyadh on Monday for a two-day state visit, aiming to strengthen ties with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) amidst a complex web of geopolitical challenges and domestic pressures, Bloomberg reports.

This marks Macron’s first state visit to the Kingdom since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, an event that briefly cast MBS as an international pariah.

The visit underscores a shift in Western perceptions of Saudi Arabia, with nations recognizing the kingdom’s crucial economic and political influence in a rapidly changing global order. Macron’s trip comes as conflicts rage in Ukraine and the Middle East, highlighting the need for strong alliances. His engagement with MBS, who also enjoys a close relationship with incoming US President Donald Trump, underscores the strategic importance of the Saudi-French partnership.

Key Focus Areas:

• Defense Deals: France is aggressively pursuing a deal to sell approximately 50 Rafale fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, facing competition from Germany (with its Eurofighter Typhoon jets) and the US (with Boeing F-15s). Germany’s potential re-entry into the Saudi arms market could take years, giving France a significant window of opportunity.
• International Crises: Macron will leverage MBS’s growing influence as a regional mediator. While Macron’s efforts to resolve the Gaza conflict have yielded limited success, Saudi Arabia’s opposition to civilian casualties and its push for a Palestinian state provide avenues for collaboration. Macron is also expected to urge MBS to utilize his relationship with Russia to help end the war in Ukraine.
• Economic Partnerships: Macron will seek Saudi investment in struggling French startups, targeting the Public Investment Fund (PIF), a significant global investor. France also aims to capitalize on Saudi Arabia’s ambitious tourism drive, offering expertise in cultural development, particularly concerning the Al-Ula project. However, reports suggest Saudi funding for Al-Ula has been scaled back as MBS prioritizes other mega-projects like the 2030 World Expo and 2034 FIFA World Cup.
• Energy and Nuclear Ambitions: With Saudi Arabia’s plans to diversify its energy portfolio and reduce reliance on oil, France’s Électricité de France (EDF) and TotalEnergies are poised to play significant roles, potentially contributing to projects like the NEOM megacity. Discussions regarding Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear program, involving various international partners, are also expected.