Saudi Arabia and France Call for Full Restoration of Strait of Hormuz Navigation
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PARIS, August 25 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Saudi Arabia and France called for navigation through the Strait of Hormuz to return to the conditions that existed before February 28, 2026, including unrestricted passage, regular shipping traffic and the absence of direct or indirect tolls.
The two countries condemned attacks on vessels in the strait and threats to the security of international waterways. They said freedom of navigation must be restored in accordance with international law.
The position was included in a joint statement issued at the conclusion of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud’s state visit to France from August 23 to 24.
The Crown Prince and French President Emmanuel Macron held official talks and chaired the inaugural meeting of the French-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council.
Their discussions took place during the centenary of political relations between Saudi Arabia and France and covered regional security, bilateral investment, defense, energy, emerging technologies, culture and sport.
Iran and Regional Navigation
Saudi Arabia and France called for a negotiated solution concerning Iran to prevent further escalation and support regional security.
They reaffirmed their support for a diplomatic outcome that guarantees the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program and urged Tehran to resume full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The two countries linked regional stability to respect for state sovereignty, international law and political and diplomatic solutions to conflicts and security threats.
Gaza and the Palestinian Territories
Saudi Arabia and France welcomed the announcement of an agreement concerning the disarmament of Hamas and called for its implementation.
They also called for conditions supporting a sustainable ceasefire and the urgent, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.
The joint statement rejected attempts to divide the Palestinian territories or deny the Palestinian people the right to establish an independent state within the 1967 borders.
Both countries called for an end to Israeli settlement activity and settler violence, which they said threaten the two-state solution.
They reiterated their commitment to implementing the New York Declaration, supported the Palestinian Authority’s reform agenda and welcomed the announcement of Palestinian legislative and presidential elections.
The statement did not indicate that Hamas had already disarmed, that a ceasefire had been concluded or that the announced elections had taken place.
Lebanon
Saudi Arabia and France agreed to intensify efforts toward resolving the conflict in Lebanon through stronger state institutions and the preservation of Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity.
They welcomed steps taken by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and the government led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to rebuild institutions and extend state authority.
Both countries reaffirmed support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and security forces and called for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
They also called for the disarmament of all non-state armed groups and for Israel to withdraw from all Lebanese territory.
Yemen, Sudan and Syria
On Yemen, the two countries reaffirmed support for the Presidential Leadership Council and United Nations efforts to reach an inclusive and comprehensive settlement.
They condemned Houthi attacks on civilian infrastructure and vital facilities in Saudi Arabia and attacks on vessels. The French side expressed full solidarity with the Kingdom and rejected attacks on Saudi territory.
The joint statement said Houthi actions were worsening humanitarian suffering in Yemen and reaffirmed both countries’ determination to preserve freedom of navigation.
On Sudan, Saudi Arabia and France called for intensified efforts to end the crisis and halt foreign interference while protecting the country’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and state institutions.
The two countries reaffirmed support for Syria’s unity, stability and economic recovery.
They called for a strong institutional framework capable of supporting greater investment and identified an opportunity for Syria to connect Europe, the Gulf and Asia through alternative routes.
Saudi Arabia and France also welcomed the establishment of a Saudi-Syrian-French Business Council.
Defense, Trade and Energy
Saudi Arabia and France adopted a declaration to strengthen defense cooperation, including armaments and training.
They also committed to closer coordination in support of shared interests and international security.
Bilateral trade reached approximately $11.8 billion in 2025, according to the joint statement.
The two countries agreed to expand cross-investment and deepen cooperation among financial institutions and companies involved in insurance and financing.
In energy, the statement emphasized market stability, security of supply and protection of maritime routes.
Cooperation priorities include oil, petrochemicals, energy efficiency, renewable energy, energy storage, peaceful nuclear energy, clean hydrogen, and technologies for reducing and removing emissions.
The two sides also called for stronger cooperation on climate issues, technology solutions and capacity building.
Qiddiya, Technology and AlUla
Saudi Arabia and France welcomed Qiddiya Investment Company’s plan to develop a major mixed-use, multi-park destination in Cergy-Pontoise in the Ile-de-France region.
Current plans combine entertainment, leisure, hospitality, culture and sport. They envisage up to three major entertainment anchors, hotels and complementary leisure experiences.
The proposed investment totals approximately EUR6 billion across the development lifecycle. The joint statement did not provide a final construction decision or delivery schedule.
The two countries also agreed to establish a dedicated financial framework supporting projects delivered by French companies in Saudi Arabia. Details on its structure, value and operating date were not announced.
Saudi Arabia and France agreed to deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, emerging technologies and capacity building.
They extended their AlUla partnership until 2035, with continued cooperation in archaeology, heritage and culture under an updated framework reflecting the development of the bilateral relationship.
Culture, Sport and Expo 2030 Riyadh
Following the third Esports World Cup in Paris, the two countries reaffirmed their intention to expand cooperation in culture, youth and sport through joint activities.
Macron and the Crown Prince welcomed France’s participation in Expo 2030 Riyadh and agreed to make the event a significant component of Saudi-French relations.
The visit also produced agreements and memoranda of understanding covering defense, healthcare, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and entertainment.
The joint statement welcomed the 21 agreements and memoranda announced at the French-Saudi Investment Roundtable in energy, industry, financial services, transport and logistics, health, culture, tourism and artificial intelligence.
Source: SPA
