French President: We Stand with Saudi Arabia in Protecting Its Security

French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed his country's stance alongside Saudi Arabia in protecting its security and defending itself against Houthi attacks, noting French participation in the Kingdom's defensive efforts.

In response to a question from Asharq regarding the nature of France's support for Riyadh, the French President clarified that Paris proposed participating in the rehabilitation and securing of the "East-West" Saudi oil pipeline, which was damaged by Houthi attacks. He pointed out the "deployment of personnel and defensive capabilities over the past 8 days until now."

Macron added during remarks in the Qatari capital Doha, which he is visiting as part of a Gulf tour: "We are progressing with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in this direction, and therefore we have a defensive contribution to help them." He continued: "I believe it is also important that discussions with the Houthis resume, and that tensions decrease, of course, because that goes in the same direction."

Macron arrives in Riyadh
Macron arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday, where Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Province, led the welcoming delegation at King Khalid International Airport, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The Elysee Palace stated that Macron arrived in Saudi Arabia on a visit aimed at "demonstrating France's solidarity with the Kingdom in the face of Houthi attacks on its territory, and continuing efforts to secure and diversify hydrocarbon energy sources."

Macron's visit to Saudi Arabia follows a tour that included Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar, during which he discussed strengthening France's strategic partnerships in the defense sector as well as energy supplies.

On Monday, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.

During the meeting, they reviewed "bilateral relations, the existing partnership between the two countries in various fields, and ways to enhance them to achieve mutual interests and support the aspirations of the two friendly nations," according to a statement by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The two sides discussed "developments in regional situations and efforts made to limit the repercussions of events there," with the French Foreign Minister affirming "his country's condemnation of the terrorist attacks by the Houthi militia and France's solidarity with the Kingdom," according to the statement.

The two parties touched upon "the importance of intensifying diplomatic efforts to ensure the security and safety of regional waterways and freedom of navigation therein, and supporting diplomatic efforts to reach comprehensive and sustainable solutions to current regional crises, contributing to consolidating security and stability in the region."