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France to Work with Saudi Arabia to Resolve the Lebanon Crisis

France’s relations with Saudi Arabia are based on common strategic interests which include preserving security in a troubled region, a common commitment to combating terrorism, and a convergence of views on regional crises. Diplomatic relations which had begun in 1926 between the two countries have become much stronger than before. The regularity of bilateral official visits demonstrates the robustness of the strategic partnership between France and Saudi Arabia. Today Saudi Arabia is an ally of France, with strong economic, military and political coordination on many topics such as Iran’s nuclear program and the departure of Bashar Al Assad. The relationship has been called a global strategic partnership. France has an embassy in Riyadh, and a consulate-general in Jeddah. Saudi Arabia has an embassy in Paris. Both countries are members of the G20.

On 4th November 2021, France and Saudi Arabia held a joint phone call with Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati, which is being seen as a significant step in resolving an unprecedented diplomatic crisis between Riyadh and Beirut. President of France, Emmanuel Macron while giving his statement stated that, “We want to commit ourselves to support the Lebanese people and therefore do everything possible to ensure that trade and economic reopening can take place.” He further stated that “We also want the [Lebanese] government to be able to work in a normal way and therefore to meet as soon as possible, and to carry out useful reforms.” 

This is not the first time that the President of France is trying to help. He has led to international efforts to help resolve the ongoing political and economic crisis in Lebanon. As Saudi Arabia and Iran have a huge presence in the region with their much-enhanced participation the situation can be settled and peace and stability can be bought in the region.