Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron Sunday welcomed Saudi crown prince and de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman for a two-day visit, hosting him at the Esports World Cup before a second day focused on bilateral deals and the situation in the Middle East.
According to France24.com, a French presidential official indicated that several agreements on health, transport, and energy are set to be signed on Monday, with discussions likely to center on Iran. The visit commenced on a lighter note Sunday evening, with the crown prince attending the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup in Paris alongside Macron.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino was also present at the event, where Macron engaged with leading gamers and distributed trophies. This occasion, which showcases top esports performers, marks the first time it has been held outside Saudi Arabia, with Riyadh showing strong support for the event.
Paris is highlighting the significance of the crown prince's visit, as he seldom leaves Saudi Arabia except for international summits. This trip to France is his first in nearly a year. A French presidential official stated that the choice of France for this visit underscores the depth and dynamism of the Franco-Saudi relationship.
However, the visit was not without controversy. On Sunday, three journalists' unions-SNJ-CGT, CFDT-Journalistes, and SGJ-FO-protested against France hosting Mohammed bin Salman, known as "MBS." In a joint statement, the unions referenced an ongoing French investigation into torture and forced disappearance following a 2021 complaint over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Khashoggi, a Saudi national with US residency and a critic of the Saudi ruling family, was killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018, with his body never recovered. US intelligence concluded that MBS was directly involved in the killing, and a UN investigation labeled it an "extrajudicial killing for which Saudi Arabia is responsible." The unions argued that the visit resembles a provocation to advocates of media freedom and expression.
The French presidential official declined to comment on whether the discussed agreements would include a massive theme park, Dragons Ball, backed by a Saudi fund and planned for the Val-d'Oise region near Paris. Saudi Arabia is also preparing to host significant global events, including Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034.
On Monday, Mohammed bin Salman and Macron are scheduled to lead the inaugural meeting of the Saudi-French strategic partnership council. Discussions will cover key regional issues, emphasizing the need for close coordination between France and its Gulf partners to promote stability and peace in the Middle East, as per Macron's office.
In December 2021, Macron was among the first Western leaders to visit the prince in Saudi Arabia following the Khashoggi incident. Since then, the Saudi crown prince has made several visits to France.