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Macron hosts Saudi's MBS for visit ranging from esports to Mideast
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman concluded a two-day state visit to France, meeting with President Emmanuel Macron amid agreements on health, transport, and energy, and discussions on regional security and a Dragon Ball-themed park.
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman concluded a two-day state visit to France on Monday, meeting President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. The visit highlighted the evolving relationship between the two countries, as they signed several agreements on health, transport, and energy.
The visit began on Sunday evening, when Macron and bin Salman attended the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup in Paris, which was the first time the tournament had been held outside Saudi Arabia. French media reported that a deal to build a Dragon Ball-themed amusement park, backed by Saudi investment, could be signed.
Valérie Pécresse, President of the Regional Council of Île-de-France, described the project as "on the scale of Disneyland" in an interview with TF1, saying that the regional government had worked on it for 18 months. "There is a very important meeting at the Élysée that may result in the signing of this agreement. We are waiting for the signature," she said.
The two leaders also discussed bilateral discussions on regional security, including energy routes that bypass the Strait of Hormuz, given the severe disruption to shipping since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran on February 28. Saudi Arabia is a major buyer of France's exports, and the two countries have deepened their economic and strategic partnership, as evidenced by Macron's visit to Riyadh in December 2024, where the Saudi-French Strategic Partnership Council was established.
Trade and Investment
In 2024, France exported $4.5 billion in goods to Saudi Arabia and imported $4.6 billion from the kingdom, according to figures. The visit comes as Saudi Arabia prepares to host Expo 2030 and the 2034 football World Cup, events that are expected to boost its international profile and attract foreign investment.
A major investment deal is the planned construction of three theme parks near Cergy-Pontoise, built on the former site of the Mirapolis park, which closed 35 years ago. One of the parks will be manga-themed, inspired by Dragon Ball Z. The project is led by Qiddiya Investment Company, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, and is expected to create 22,000 direct jobs. The agreement was reached from a discussion between Macron and bin Salman in December 2024 in Riyadh, where they shared a common passion for manga. Macron called the new theme park project an "important milestone" in France-Saudi relations.
Regional security and the Mecca pact
Beyond economics, the visit addressed regional security, particularly the ongoing war in the Middle East. Analysts say Saudi Arabia is diversifying its security partnerships beyond Washington, including the signing of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement on August 7 with Turkey and Pakistan, which commits the three countries to treat an armed attack on any one as an attack on all.
The Mecca pact underscores a shift toward deeper regional cooperation, even as France becomes a key Western partner. France has a stake in stability for the region.
Perspectives
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit has drawn criticism from French journalists' unions, which have staged protests against the visit, citing a French investigation into the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. A UN investigation described Khashoggi's death as an "extrajudicial killing for which Saudi Arabia is responsible," and US intelligence determined that MBS approved the operation that led to the killing, claims Riyadh denies, blaming rogue operatives.
Macron hosted MBS in Paris despite the accusations, having previously become one of the first Western leaders to meet him in Saudi Arabia after the 2018 killing, in December 2021. France's position reflects its balancing of commercial interest and strategic agreements with Saudi Arabia, a key regional power.
How this outlet told it
Al Jazeera
Framing: Saudi Arabia’s MBS visits Macron in France: What to expect — The tone is neutral and objective, providing a detailed explanation.
Facts Included:
MBS visited France for two days, meeting Macron; agreements on health, transport, energy to be signed; Dragon Ball theme park possibility; bilateral discussions on regional security; trade figures; Mecca pact; background on oil prices and the war on Iran; Expo 2030 and 2034 World Cup; quotes from Valerie Pecresse; quotes from Macron's office
Facts omitted: None, but it's the complete article.
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Claim
Confidence
Status
ClaimSaudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a two-day state visit to France, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron.
ClaimThe Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed on August 7, commits Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan to treat an armed attack on any one as an attack on all.
ClaimThe agreement stemmed from a discussion between Macron and bin Salman in December 2024 in Riyadh, where they discovered their shared passion for manga.