PARIS, 29th July, 2022 (WAM) — His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Saudi Arabia, has concluded his official visit to Paris, during which he met with Emmanuel Macron, President of France, to discuss the ties and cooperation between their countries as well as other issues of mutual concern.
A joint statement, issued at the end of the visit and carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), said that the deliberations also covered ways of enhancing the investment partnership between the two countries by accelerating the pace of investment and economic cooperation, enhancing cooperation in renewable energy including solar and wind energy, cooperation in clean hydrogen, adhering to the principles of the Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, and the need to develop and implement climate agreements with a focus on emissions, rather than on sources.
It also highlighted the two parties' eagerness to develop their strategic partnerships to help stabilise global energy markets, stabilise and sustain food supplies of wheat and grains to all countries, and maintain an abundance of supply and price stability.
According to the statement, the two sides stressed the need for continuous evaluation of the common threats to the two sides’ interests and the security and stability of the Middle East and the importance of strengthening cooperation and partnership in the defense fields. The talks also touched on discussing ways to develop and enhance cooperation and coordination on issues of common concern, including combatting terrorism and its financing, combating all forms of crime, and exchanging expertise and training.
Moreover, the discussions tackled the importance of resolving international disputes through diplomatic and peaceful means, adherence to the Charter of the United Nations, the principles of good neighborliness, respect for the unity and sovereignty of countries, and non-interference in their internal affairs. The French side commended the Kingdom's efforts and support for the truce in Yemen, while the Kingdom expressed appreciation for France's support for UN efforts to reach a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis.
The talks also covered topics such as Lebanon's sovereignty, security, and stability, the need to intensify efforts to reach a comprehensive and just settlement to the Palestinian issue; as well as the importance of reaching a political solution to the Syrian crisis that preserves the territorial integrity of Syria and the safety of its people.