Saudi Arabia, France to boost cooperation on renewable energy

Saudi Arabia and France have agreed to boost cooperation on renewable energy including solar, wind and clean hydrogen following the guidelines of the Paris Climate Accords, the Saudi Press agency reported, citing a joint statement released following Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Paris.

The leaders also discussed the importance of stabilizing the global energy market and maintaining a steady food supply of wheat and grains globally, according to the joint statement.

Additionally, the Saudi Crown Prince and France’s Macron reportedly discussed the need to evaluate common threats and coordinate on combating terrorism and its financing.

The meeting also stressed on the need for a continuous evaluation of common threats that face both Saudi Arabia and France, and maintaining security and stability in the Middle East.

The Saudi Crown Prince and Macron reportedly agreed on the importance of strengthening cooperation in defense while simultaneously combating terrorism, crime and its financing by sharing experiences and conducting training exercises.

Security and stability in Lebanon was another area of discussion. Both Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Macron agreed upon the importance of implementing comprehensive political and economic reforms to maintain Lebanon sovereignty, and “expressed satisfaction” with the work being undertaken by the Saudi-French fund for humanitarian and relief work in the Middle East nation, according to the joint statement.

France’s Macron also reportedly commended Saudi Arabia’s efforts and support for the truce in Yemen. The Kingdom, meanwhile, appreciated France’s support behind UN efforts to reach a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis.

The two leaders also reviewed the historical and strategic relations between the two countries and discussed ways to further develop them. They also exchanged views on regional and international issues, SPA reported.