His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met today with His Excellency Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026, held in Davos, Switzerland. This meeting comes within the framework of the active diplomatic efforts led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to promote international peace and security.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the strong bilateral relations between their friendly countries, discussed the latest regional and international developments, and addressed joint efforts aimed at achieving security and stability in the Middle East and the world. They also discussed ways to enhance coordination and consultation on issues of common interest, in a manner that serves the interests of both countries and strengthens opportunities for peace and development.
The depth of Saudi-French relations
These talks reaffirm the depth of the strategic partnership between Riyadh and Paris, a partnership built on decades of fruitful cooperation across various political, economic, and security fields. France views Saudi Arabia as a cornerstone of regional stability and a reliable partner in combating security challenges and addressing the political crises plaguing the Middle East, a fact reflected in the ongoing coordination between the two countries' foreign ministers in international forums.
The importance of the Davos Forum as a platform for political dialogue
This meeting is particularly significant given its timing on the sidelines of the Davos Economic Forum, which is no longer limited to financial and economic matters but has transformed into a vital global platform for political decision-making and the pursuit of diplomatic solutions to complex crises. The active presence of Saudi diplomacy at this forum underscores the pivotal role the Kingdom plays in shaping the international landscape, leveraging its political and economic weight within the framework of Vision 2030.
Coordinating positions on regional issues
The talks between Prince Faisal bin Farhan and the French minister indicate a convergence of views on the necessity of prioritizing dialogue and diplomacy to defuse crises. Both the Kingdom and France play complementary roles in vital issues such as the stability of Lebanon, maritime security, and counterterrorism, in addition to supporting humanitarian and development efforts in countries affected by conflicts. This makes such coordination an urgent necessity to ensure a more stable future for the region.
The meeting was attended by the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein, Abdulrahman Al-Dawood, and the Advisor to His Highness the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed Al-Yahya, which reflects the high level of interest in the outcomes and details of this meeting.
