Saudi Arabia, France issue final statement following HRH Saudi Crown Prince’s visit

A final statement was issued concerning the visit of Saudi Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, to the French Republic.

The following is the full text of the statement, posted by Saudi Press Agency (SPA):

1- Within the framework of the distinguished bilateral ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and France and at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister paid an official visit to France from 27 – 7/29 2022, where HRH met the French President, and conveyed to him at the outset of the visit the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

2- During the meeting, the two sides had a session of official talks where they discussed the historical and strategic relations between the two countries, and the means to develop them in all fields. They also exchanged views on the current regional and international situations.

3- The discussions also included ways to deepen the investment partnership between the two countries by accelerating the pace of investment and economic cooperation, enhancing cooperation in renewable energy including solar and wind energy, cooperation in clean hydrogen, adhering to the principles of the Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, and the need to develop and implement climate agreements with a focus on emissions, rather than on sources.

4- The talks touched on aspects of strategic partnerships and ways to develop them, the importance of stabilizing global energy markets, stabilizing and sustaining food supplies of wheat and grains to all countries, and maintaining an abundance of supply and price stability.

5- During the official session, the two sides stressed the need for continuous evaluation of the common threats to the two sides’ interests and the security and stability of the Middle East and the importance of strengthening cooperation and partnership in the defense fields. The talks also touched on discussing ways to develop and enhance cooperation and coordination on issues of common concern, including combating terrorism and its financing, combating all forms of crimes, and exchanging expertise and training.

6- The discussions also tackled the importance of resolving international disputes through diplomatic and peaceful means, adherence to the Charter of the United Nations, the principles of good neighborliness, respect for the unity and sovereignty of countries, and non-interference in their internal affairs.

7- The French side commended the Kingdom’s efforts and support for the truce in Yemen. The Kingdom’s appreciation for France’s support for UN efforts to reach a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis per the three references was also underscored.

8- The talks discussed the two countries’ support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, and stability, and the importance of implementing comprehensive political and economic reforms. They also expressed their satisfaction with the Saudi-French Fund’s efforts to support humanitarian and relief work in Lebanon per the highest standards of transparency.

9- The discussions also saw common views on the need to intensify efforts to reach a comprehensive and just settlement to the Palestinian issue per the principle of the two-state solution, relevant international legitimacy resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative, in a manner that ensures the Palestinian people’s right to establish their independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

10 – The talks included the importance of reaching a political solution to the Syrian crisis that preserves the territorial integrity of Syria and the safety of its people. The two sides also touched on international efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, to ensure that Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful, and urge Iran to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency, maintain the principles of good neighborliness and non-interference in the internal affairs of the regional countries.

11- HRH the Crown Prince, expressed to President Emmanuel Macron the Kingdom’s appreciation for France’s support for the candidacy of Riyadh to host the World Expo 2030.

12- At the conclusion of the visit, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister expressed his thanks and appreciation to French President Emmanuel Macron, for the warm reception and hospitality accorded to him and the accompanying delegation. For his part, President Macron expressed his best wishes of health and happiness to HRH Crown Prince and further progress and advancement for the Saudi people.

Source: Bahrain News Agency