Overview
- The crown prince arrived in Paris and on Sunday jointly chaired the inaugural Franco‑Saudi Strategic Partnership Council with President Emmanuel Macron, marking the operational start of the body announced in December 2024.
- French officials say several sectoral agreements on health, transport and energy are expected to be signed on Monday, with details yet to be published.
- Leaders are focusing on diversifying energy and logistics routes to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz, including talks about maritime alternatives, pipeline options and regional rail projects.
- Mohammed bin Salman attended the Esports World Cup closing in Paris and travelled with a multi‑minister delegation reported to include seven ministers as the visit blends event diplomacy with business and security talks.
- Human‑rights and the 2018 killing of Jamal Khashoggi continue to cast a shadow over deeper ties, with French rights groups and judicial inquiries pressing Paris to raise accountability even as defence and commercial cooperation expands.