In a move reflecting the depth of the strategic relationship between Riyadh and Paris, His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Engineer Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji, received a delegation from the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee of the French Senate at the Ministry's headquarters in Riyadh. The visiting delegation was headed by Mr. Cédric Perrin, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense, and the Armed Forces. During the meeting, a comprehensive review was conducted of the distinguished bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the French Republic, and ways to enhance them in various fields.
Historical background of deep-rooted relations
Saudi-French relations span decades, making them among the Kingdom's oldest and deepest diplomatic ties with European powers. This partnership, founded on mutual respect and shared interests, has evolved to encompass close cooperation in political, economic, military, and cultural spheres. France is a strategic partner of the Kingdom on numerous regional issues and a key ally within the G20, lending particular importance to the regular meetings between officials of both countries for coordinating positions and perspectives on global challenges.
The importance of the meeting and its expected impact
This meeting is of paramount importance given the rapid developments unfolding on the regional and international stages. During the discussions, the two sides addressed key issues of mutual interest, exchanging views on ways to achieve security and stability in the Middle East and confront shared security challenges. This parliamentary dialogue is expected to contribute to strengthening mutual understanding and supporting the diplomatic efforts undertaken by the leadership of both countries to promote peace and development. Furthermore, cooperation within the framework of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 opens new horizons for French companies to invest in promising sectors such as renewable energy, tourism, and technology, thereby enhancing the economic partnership between the two nations.
International coordination to enhance regional security
In a related context, and as part of his intensive diplomatic activity, Engineer Al-Khuraiji also received the NATO Special Representative for the Southern Neighbourhood, Mr. Javier Colomina. During this meeting, they discussed topics of mutual interest to the Kingdom and the Alliance. This meeting reflects the Kingdom's commitment to building bridges of communication with influential international organizations and coordinating efforts to ensure the security of waterways and combat terrorism, serving its interests and those of its international partners, and contributing to the stability of the region and the world.
