Macron and MBS strengthen ties through strategic partnership

On December 2, 2024, President Emmanuel Macron of France and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman formalized a strategic partnership during Macron's state visit to Saudi Arabia. This visit marked the first by a French president since 2006, aimed at enhancing cooperation in various sectors such as defense, energy, culture, and mobility. Both leaders emphasized the importance of contributing to regional stability, particularly addressing the political crisis in Lebanon. They jointly called for upcoming presidential elections in Lebanon, seeking to unify the Lebanese people and initiate necessary reforms for the nation’s stability and security. The meeting was also focused on supporting the Lebanese military, which is currently facing challenges in armament and training as it operates under a ceasefire with Israel. Furthermore, there was discussion surrounding the ongoing Gaza conflict, with both countries urging a ceasefire and advocating for a political resolution based on the two-state solution framework. Despite these critical discussions, Macron's visit coincided with a challenging political climate in France, as his minority government faced a potential no-confidence vote. The overarching goal of the partnership appears to be a concerted effort to uplift Lebanon from its current socio-political turmoil while bolstering the historical ties between France and Saudi Arabia.