The key facts
- Macron is the first Western leader to visit Saudi Arabia since the escalation of Houthi attacks this month
- According to the publication, attacks on Riyadh airport killed 17 people and wounded 333
- The visit was part of Macron's three-day tour of Gulf countries
Surprise Visit to Riyadh
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday on an unscheduled visit which, according to The National, served as a demonstration of solidarity with Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks. During the stop on his three-day tour of Gulf countries, Macron met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Earlier, according to the outlet, he had already visited Kuwait, the UAE and Bahrain.
Topics of the Talks
As reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the leaders exchanged views on regional and international developments and discussed coordinating efforts to strengthen regional and international security and stability. The sides also reviewed the historic and strategic relations between the two countries, existing cooperation and ways to strengthen ties in various fields.
Goals of the Visit According to the French Side
The French presidency stated that the visit is aimed at 'demonstrating France's solidarity with the kingdom in the face of attacks carried out by the Houthis on its territory, and continuing efforts to secure and diversify hydrocarbon supplies.' According to The National, Macron became the first Western leader to visit the kingdom since the Iran-backed Houthis intensified their attacks this month.
Context of the Conflict
According to the outlet, Riyadh came under intense shelling as the heaviest fighting in Yemen in recent years spilled over into Saudi territory. Attacks on the capital's airport this month, according to the publication, killed 17 people and wounded 333. Saudi Arabia intervened in Yemen's civil war in 2015 at the government's request after the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa. A UN-brokered truce in 2022 maintained a fragile peace until this year. According to The National, Saudi Arabia has resumed its military campaign in Yemen in support of the internationally recognised government, seeking to reverse the Houthis' sudden gains last month, when they advanced along the Red Sea coast to the strategic Bab el-Mandeb strait.
