Wednesday, August 25, 2026 - French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Paris for a two-day visit that combines high-profile entertainment with major diplomatic and economic discussions.
The leaders appeared together at the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup, before turning to talks on Middle East security, Iran and stronger France-Saudi cooperation.
The visit is also delivering major business agreements. France and Saudi Arabia announced a €6 billion ($7 billion) Dragon Ball Z-themed entertainment project near Paris that is expected to create about 22,000 jobs.
Additional agreements cover health, transport and energy, highlighting Riyadh’s growing investment ambitions and Paris’s push to deepen economic ties with the Gulf kingdom.
Beyond the commercial deals, the meeting carries significant geopolitical weight as the Middle East faces heightened tensions.
Macron and Mohammed bin Salman are seeking closer coordination on regional security and economic stability, while the partnership also faces criticism from rights groups and journalists’ unions over Saudi Arabia’s human-rights record. The outcome could shape France’s role in Gulf diplomacy and its relationship with one of the region’s most influential powers.
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