Saudi Arabia and France Exchange Four Cooperation Documents in Paris
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PARIS, August 25 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Saudi Arabia and France exchanged four cooperation documents in Paris on Monday covering AlUla, defense, a proposed entertainment destination and emerging technologies.
Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and French President Emmanuel Macron witnessed the exchange following the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of the French Republic.
The Crown Prince and Macron chaired the council meeting, reviewed its agenda with members from both countries and signed its official minutes.
The first document extends and amends an existing Saudi-French agreement covering the cultural, environmental, tourism, human, economic and heritage development of AlUla Governorate.
Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan and French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot signed the AlUla agreement.
The second document is a declaration of intent between the Saudi Ministry of Defense and the French Ministry of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs to strengthen the bilateral defense partnership.
Saudi Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs Dr. Khaled bin Hussein Al-Biyari and French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Catherine Vautrin signed the declaration.
The third document is a memorandum of understanding to explore the development of a new global, mixed-use destination in France centered on entertainment.
Qiddiya Investment Company Managing Director Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Dawood and French Minister for the Economy, Finance and Industrial, Energy and Digital Sovereignty Roland Lescure signed the MoU.
The document establishes an exploratory framework and does not confirm a final construction decision, project value, location or delivery schedule.
The fourth document is an MoU between the Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the French Ministry for the Economy, Finance and Industrial, Energy and Digital Sovereignty.
It covers cooperation in artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, capacity building and skills development.
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Lescure signed the technology MoU.
Before the council meeting, the Crown Prince and Macron held bilateral talks at the Élysée Palace. They reviewed strategic relations, opportunities for broader cooperation, regional and international developments and coordination between the two countries.
Macron received the Crown Prince upon his arrival at the palace, where French ministers, senior officials and members of the Saudi delegation also attended the official reception.
Source: SPA
