Paris: Saudi Arabia had become too important for energy, regional security, investment, and diplomacy in the Middle East to be permanently isolated. So Macron wanted to establish France as an independent, balanced power between the Mediterranean and the Gulf.
According to France24.com, the visit of Mohammed bin Salman to Paris underscores the strategic considerations that have led Western powers, including France, to engage with Saudi Arabia despite potential criticisms regarding values. The relationship is driven by the necessity for energy cooperation, regional stability, and investment opportunities.
The French government's approach reflects a broader trend among Western countries to balance their diplomatic and economic interests. This trend highlights the complexities in international relations where strategic and economic considerations often take precedence, even in the face of potential contradictions with Western values.