Macron and MBS to Focus on Hormuz, Deals in Paris Talks
(Bloomberg) -- French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman are set to oversee the signing of bilateral deals and discuss alternative routes to the disrupted Strait of Hormuz during talks on Monday.
The two leaders will meet in Paris to discuss ways to diversify transport routes for energy and logistics, including maritime routes, as well as alternative pipeline and regional rail projects, French presidency officials told reporters.
They also plan to oversee agreements covering technology, transport, energy and health on the sidelines of the Franco-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council, they said. The Saudi prince is accompanied by a large ministerial delegation on his first visit to France since 2023.
They will also discuss Middle East conflicts involving Israel, the Palestinians, Lebanon and Syria, where France is working to help develop energy and logistics projects, according to the officials.
On Sunday, the two leaders will attend the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup, which was moved to France from Riyadh because of the Iran war. The event was created by the Saudi government, with the Saudi Public Investment Fund committing $38 billion to promote the region a destination for gamers.
The crown prince, who is also prime minister, will meet French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu on Monday at the Hôtel national des Invalides, the historic military complex where Napoleon is buried in central Paris, according to a statement from the premier’s office.
On his last visit to France, the crown prince met Macron and attended a reception as part of Riyadh’s successful bid to host the 2030 Expo.
©2026 Bloomberg L.P.
