Saudi Arabia, France urge diplomacy on Iran and Palestine

PARIS, France (MNTV) — Saudi Arabia and France have called for a diplomatic resolution to tensions with Iran, unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and renewed international efforts to establish a Palestinian state, as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Emmanuel Macron outlined an expanded strategic partnership.

The positions were set out in a joint statement issued Monday following the Saudi crown prince’s meeting with the French president in Paris.

Riyadh and Paris said regional stability should be grounded in state sovereignty, international law and political solutions to conflicts rather than further military escalation.

On Iran, the two countries called for negotiations aimed at resolving the dispute over Tehran’s nuclear program and preventing further regional instability.

They urged Iran to resume full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and reiterated support for ensuring that its nuclear activities remain peaceful.

The statement also condemned attacks against vessels and threats to maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, calling for shipping to resume under conditions that existed before Feb. 28, 2026.

Saudi Arabia and France called for freedom of navigation and uninterrupted commercial shipping through the strategic waterway, while rejecting direct or indirect charges and restrictions on passage that violate international law.

On Palestine, the two governments called for conditions that would allow a durable ceasefire in Gaza and for humanitarian assistance to reach civilians safely and without obstruction.

They also opposed measures that would undermine Palestinian aspirations for an independent state within the 1967 borders and stressed the importance of maintaining territorial unity between Palestinian areas.

Riyadh and Paris called for an end to Israeli settlement expansion and settler violence, saying such actions threaten prospects for a two-state solution. They also reaffirmed support for the New York Declaration and the Palestinian Authority’s reform program.

The statement welcomed plans for Palestinian legislative and presidential elections and called for continued international efforts to support Palestinian institutions.

The leaders also discussed Lebanon, Yemen, Sudan and Syria, reflecting the broader security agenda of the emerging Saudi-French partnership.

On Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and France pledged to strengthen the Lebanese state and its institutions while protecting the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

They welcomed efforts by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to restore state authority and rebuild national institutions.

The two countries reaffirmed support for Lebanon’s armed forces and security agencies and called for implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. They also demanded the disarmament of non-state armed groups and called for Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territory.

Regarding Yemen, Riyadh and Paris reiterated their support for the Presidential Council and United Nations efforts to achieve an inclusive political settlement. France condemned attacks by the Houthis against Saudi territory, civilian infrastructure and shipping and expressed solidarity with Riyadh.

On Sudan, the two governments urged greater international efforts to end the conflict, curb external interference and protect Sudan’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and state institutions.

Saudi Arabia and France also reaffirmed their support for Syria’s unity, stability and economic recovery. The two sides highlighted Syria’s potential role as a trade link between Europe, the Gulf and Asia and welcomed plans to establish a Saudi-Syrian-French business council.

The joint statement also marked a broader expansion of Saudi-French relations as the countries commemorated a century of diplomatic ties and held the inaugural meeting of the French-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council.

Riyadh and Paris adopted a declaration aimed at strengthening defense cooperation, including collaboration on arms and military training, while pledging greater coordination on international security issues.

Economic cooperation was also prominent, with bilateral trade reaching approximately $11.8 billion in 2025. The two sides agreed to encourage additional investment and strengthen cooperation between financial institutions.

Saudi Arabia and France also welcomed plans by Qiddiya Investment Company to develop a large mixed-use destination in Cergy-Pontoise, near Paris, with projected investment of about €6 billion over the project’s development period.

The partnership is set to expand into artificial intelligence, quantum computing and other emerging technologies. France and Saudi Arabia also agreed to extend cooperation on the AlUla development project through 2035, continuing joint work in archaeology, heritage and culture.

France confirmed its participation in Riyadh Expo 2030, while officials from both countries agreed to use the event to further strengthen bilateral relations.

During the visit, Saudi and French officials signed agreements and memorandums covering defense, healthcare, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and entertainment. More than 22 agreements and memorandums were also announced during a Saudi-French investment roundtable.

The agreements demonstrate Riyadh and Paris’ effort to broaden their relationship beyond trade and investment into defense, technology and coordinated diplomacy over major conflicts and security challenges across the Middle East.