The establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders and Israel’s complete withdrawal from Lebanon were among the key points in a joint statement issued by Saudi Arabia and France in Paris. Riyadh and Paris also called for a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.
The joint statement was issued after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s state visit to France on Aug. 23-24. Alongside their meeting in Paris, Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron also chaired the first meeting of the Saudi-French Strategic Partnership Council.
Emphasis on a two-state solution for Palestine
Saudi Arabia and France rejected efforts aimed at undermining the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state. The two countries said Israel’s settlement policy and the violence in the occupied territories threaten the two-state solution.
Riyadh and Paris stated that regional stability must be based on the sovereignty of states, international law and the resolution of conflicts through political and diplomatic means. They called for the necessary conditions to be created for a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and for humanitarian aid to be delivered urgently, safely and without impediment.
The parties welcomed the announcement of an agreement on the disarmament of Hamas and called for its implementation. Saudi Arabia and France also reaffirmed their commitment to the New York Declaration and expressed support for the Palestinian Authority’s reforms and its plans for presidential and legislative elections.
Call for sovereignty and disarmament in Lebanon
On Lebanon, the two countries agreed that efforts should be intensified to reach a final solution, state institutions should be strengthened, and the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity should be preserved.
Saudi Arabia and France called for the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. The statement called for the complete disarmament of all armed groups outside state control and for Israel to withdraw from all Lebanese territory. The two countries also reaffirmed their support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and security institutions.
On Iran, Riyadh and Paris called for a negotiated solution to prevent further escalation of tensions. The two countries said they supported diplomacy to ensure the peaceful nature of Tehran’s nuclear program and stated that Iran must return to full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The joint statement also condemned attacks on vessels and threats to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. It called for maritime transport to return to the conditions that existed before the joint U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran on Feb. 28. The parties called for the protection of freedom of navigation and transit, with no direct or indirect fees or restrictions.
Common positions on Syria, Yemen and Sudan
Saudi Arabia and France reaffirmed their commitment to Syria’s unity, stability and economic recovery. Emphasizing the importance of strong institutions, the two countries welcomed the establishment of the Saudi-Syrian-French Joint Business Council. The statement also highlighted Syria’s potential to serve as a bridge connecting Europe, the Gulf and Asia.
In Yemen, the parties reaffirmed their support for the Presidential Leadership Council and the United Nations’ efforts toward a comprehensive solution. Attacks on civilian infrastructure and critical facilities in Saudi Arabia, as well as attacks on commercial vessels, were condemned, and the parties emphasized their commitment to freedom of navigation. France declared its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
The two countries called for intensified efforts to end the crisis in Sudan and halt external interference. They said Sudan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and institutions must be preserved.
New agreements in defense and economic fields
Saudi Arabia and France agreed to deepen defense cooperation, including in the areas of armaments and training. During the visit, agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed in the fields of defense, health, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and entertainment.
Bilateral trade was announced to have reached approximately $11.8 billion in 2025. Twenty-one agreements and memorandums of understanding were announced at the Saudi-French Investment Roundtable.
The Aug. 23-24 visit took place as Saudi Arabia and France marked the 100th anniversary of the establishment of their political relations.
