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Macron arrives in Saudi Arabia for surprise solidarity visit amid Houthi attacks
The visit is part of the French president’s tour of Gulf countries, aimed at securing supplies of diesel and petrol as France faces rising energy costs.
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday for a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in what was described as a surprise visit to demonstrate solidarity with the kingdom following weeks of attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
Macron is the first Western leader to visit Saudi Arabia since the Iran-backed Houthis intensified their attacks this month.
The visit is part of the French president’s tour of Gulf countries, aimed at securing supplies of diesel and petrol as France faces rising energy costs.
Macron is also under pressure at home following violent protests triggered by the rising cost of living, which have deepened the political crisis facing his administration.
“The president of the republic is travelling to Saudi Arabia this afternoon to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” a statement from Macron’s office said.
The visit aimed to “demonstrate France’s solidarity with the kingdom in the face of the attacks carried out by the Houthis against its territory, and to continue efforts undertaken on securing and diversifying hydrocarbon supplies”, it added.
In recent weeks, Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have reached an unprecedented scale, forcing Riyadh airport to shut and the postponement of a major investment conference.
A Houthi attempt to blockade Saudi ports is also hampering oil exports from the kingdom.
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