Macron Visits Saudi Arabia In Show Of Solidarity Amid Houthi Attacks

French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman following weeks of intensified attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels on the kingdom.

Macron, who landed in Riyadh on Wednesday, is the first Western leader to visit Saudi Arabia since the Houthis escalated their attacks this month.

The visit aims to express France’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia while strengthening efforts to secure and diversify energy supplies amid rising global energy concerns.

It also forms part of Macron’s Gulf tour as France seeks to secure supplies of petrol and diesel to ease pressure on energy prices following violent protests over the rising cost of living.

The protests have added to the political challenges facing the French president.

In a statement, Macron’s office said: “The president of the republic is travelling to Saudi Arabia this afternoon to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.”

The statement added that the visit was intended to “demonstrate France’s solidarity with the kingdom in the face of the attacks carried out by the Houthis against its territory, and to continue efforts undertaken on securing and diversifying hydrocarbon supplies”.

Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have reportedly disrupted key activities, with Riyadh airport forced to shut and a major investment conference postponed.

Efforts by the rebels to blockade Saudi ports have also hampered the kingdom’s oil exports, raising concerns about potential disruptions to energy supplies.

The attacks have increased pressure on Saudi Arabia to protect its critical infrastructure and maintain the flow of oil to international markets.