Macron wants to get MBS to publicly back Ukraine against Russia.
President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) for a discussion in Paris on Friday as the Russian military operation in Ukraine grew more intense and both sides were engaged in a war of attrition. The 45-year-old Frenchman urged the MBS to be more outspoken against Russia.
Both leaders discussed possible solutions for a new leader in Lebanon during their discussions.
The Saudi ruler's visit, which took place less than a year after his previous stop at the Elysee Palace, highlights the cordial ties between Paris and Riyadh.
The 37-year-old president of the oil-rich nation is also anticipated to attend Macron's June 22–23 New Global Financing Pact event in Paris.
The French presidential official claimed that Paris wanted MBS to comprehend the scope of the fight in Ukraine and hasten the war's conclusion, which would imply a triumph for Ukraine on the ground.
The person said, "We are going to explain to him how crucial the Ukraine issue is and how Saudi Arabia can exert influence, including on Russia."
When it comes to the Ukraine concerns, Riyadh has been acting cautiously. It did not denounce the Russian special military operation that started in February 2022, but it did emphasise the territorial integrity of Kiev.
During an Arab League conference last month, the de facto ruler of the kingdom received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Jeddah as part of the president's unexpected visit to the Arab nation.
He will also go to a Saudi formal event on Monday for Riyadh's Expo 2030 plan, which Saudi Arabia wants the French to support.
Due to Moscow's participation in the expanded OPEC+, which regulates the supply and demand of oil globally, Saudi Arabia also keeps tight connections with Russia.
President Macron is anticipated to urge MBS to use his nation's clout with Lebanese supporter factions to end the impasse that has stopped the country from electing a new leader.
Additionally, Jean-Yves Le Drian, the former foreign minister of France, was mentioned.
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