RIYADH: French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Riyadh on Monday evening for an official visit to Saudi Arabia, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Macron was received at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who introduced the French president to Saudi ministers during an official reception ceremony.
The two leaders held an expanded meeting for extensive talks, SPA reported.
The meeting saw the participation of high-ranking officials from both countries, including Saudi ministers from energy, culture, defense, and investment sectors, as well as their French counterparts.
Earlier on Monday, upon arrival at King Khalid International Airport, Macron was received by Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region, along with the Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Qasabi and Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, Mayor of Riyadh.
Also in attendance were Fahd bin Mayouf Al-Ruwaili, Saudi ambassador to France, and Patrick Maisonnave, French ambassador to the Kingdom.
The visit underscores the strengthening ties between Saudi Arabia and France, with discussions expected to focus on water resource sustainability and other key areas of cooperation, SPA added.
The crown prince and Macron also oversaw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a Strategic Partnership Council between the two nations.
The agreement was signed by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot.
