France, Saudi Arabia eye new trade and security deals ahead of Paris summit

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is scheduled to arrive in Paris on Sunday, August 23, for an official visit following an invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron.

The bilateral talks will centre on defence cooperation, trade, and bilateral investment, alongside the geopolitical fallout from the military conflict between the United States and Iran.

The two leaders plan to explore diplomatic avenues to cease hostilities and secure commercial maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Further discussions will address wider Middle Eastern security concerns, focusing on ongoing crises in the Gaza Strip, Syria, and Lebanon.

The Élysée Palace confirmed that the summit is expected to yield a comprehensive suite of economic agreements spanning the energy, transport, and healthcare sectors. French officials emphasised that the visit carries "great symbolic significance," representing the Crown Prince's first international trip in several months.

By Tamilla Hasanova