Paris (TDI): Saudi Arabia and France have reaffirmed their support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and called for Israel to withdraw from all Lebanese territory, as the two countries outlined a joint approach to several major Middle Eastern crises.
The positions were set out in a joint statement issued Monday at the conclusion of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s state visit to France. The Saudi crown prince held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, where the two leaders also chaired the first meeting of the Saudi-French Strategic Partnership Council.
Riyadh and Paris said their approach to regional stability was based on respect for state sovereignty, international law and diplomatic and political solutions to conflicts. On the Palestinian issue, the two countries rejected efforts to undermine the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state along the 1967 borders.
They also called for an end to Israeli settlement activity and violence in the occupied territories, warning that such actions threaten prospects for a two-state solution. Saudi Arabia and France stressed the need to establish conditions for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches the territory safely and without obstruction.
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The two sides welcomed an announced agreement concerning the disarmament of Hamas and called for its implementation. They also reaffirmed support for the New York Declaration and backed reforms within the Palestinian Authority, including plans for presidential and legislative elections.
On Lebanon, Riyadh and Paris agreed to intensify diplomatic efforts towards a final settlement while supporting the strengthening of Lebanese state institutions. The two countries stressed the importance of preserving Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and called for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
They also called for the disarmament of all armed groups operating outside state control and demanded Israel’s withdrawal from all Lebanese territory. Saudi Arabia and France reaffirmed their support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and other state security institutions.
The two countries also addressed tensions involving Iran, calling for a negotiated solution to prevent further escalation. Riyadh and Paris reiterated their support for diplomacy and efforts to ensure that Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful. They also urged Tehran to resume full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The statement condemned attacks on vessels and threats to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and called for commercial shipping to return to conditions that existed before the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on February 28. The two countries stressed the importance of freedom of navigation and passage through the strategic waterway without direct or indirect fees or restrictions.
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On Syria, Saudi Arabia and France reaffirmed their commitment to the country’s unity, stability and economic recovery. They stressed the need for strong state institutions and greater investment and welcomed the creation of a joint Saudi-Syrian-French Business Council. The two countries also highlighted Syria’s potential to serve as a link between Europe, the Gulf and Asia.
On Yemen, Riyadh and Paris reiterated their support for the Presidential Leadership Council and UN-led efforts to reach a comprehensive political settlement. They condemned Houthi attacks on civilian infrastructure and vital facilities in Saudi Arabia, as well as attacks targeting commercial shipping, while reaffirming their support for freedom of navigation.
France also expressed its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and rejected attacks on Saudi territory. The two countries called for stronger international efforts to end the conflict in Sudan and prevent foreign interference. They stressed the importance of preserving Sudan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and state institutions.
Saudi Arabia and France also agreed to expand defense cooperation, including collaboration in arms and military training. During Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit, the two countries signed agreements and memorandums of understanding covering defense, healthcare, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and entertainment.
According to the joint statement, bilateral trade reached approximately $11.8 billion in 2025, while 21 agreements and memorandums were announced at a Saudi-French investment roundtable. The August 23-24 visit also coincided with the centenary of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and France.
