Saudi Arabia and France on Monday called for efforts to strengthen Lebanon’s state institutions, safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and support the Lebanese Armed Forces and other security forces, as the two countries reaffirmed their strategic partnership during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s official visit to Paris.

In a joint statement issued after the crown prince met French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace, Riyadh and Paris stressed the need for the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. They also called for the disarmament of all non-state armed groups and for an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory.

The Lebanon issue was part of a broader discussion between the two countries on regional stability, with France and Saudi Arabia saying that peace in the Middle East should be based on respect for state sovereignty, international law and diplomatic solutions.

The two sides also reaffirmed their support for Lebanon’s armed forces and security institutions, underscoring their role in strengthening the authority of the Lebanese state.

The statement came as Saudi Arabia and France sought to deepen cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including defense, investment, energy, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, culture and tourism.

Lebanon at the center of regional concerns

The joint position on Lebanon reflects the wider regional focus on restoring the authority of state institutions and preventing the country from being drawn into conflicts involving outside powers.

Saudi Arabia and France called for strengthening Lebanon’s institutions and preserving its sovereignty and territorial integrity, while backing the Lebanese Armed Forces and security forces. They also stressed that Resolution 1701 must be fully implemented and that all non-state armed groups should be disarmed.

The statement further called for an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, linking the stability of Lebanon to both the restoration of state authority and respect for its territorial integrity.

The two countries’ position comes against the backdrop of broader regional tensions involving Iran, Israel and armed groups across the Middle East.

Iran and regional escalation

France and Saudi Arabia said they shared a vision for a more stable Middle East and called for a negotiated solution with Iran to prevent further escalation.

They reiterated their support for a diplomatic settlement that would guarantee the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program and called on Tehran to resume full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Riyadh and Paris also condemned attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz and called for the restoration of freedom of navigation and normal commercial shipping through the strategic waterway, without direct or indirect tolls or restrictions and in accordance with international law.

Gaza and Palestinian statehood

On Gaza, France and Saudi Arabia welcomed the announcement of an agreement concerning the disarmament of Hamas and called for its implementation.

They also urged efforts to establish a sustainable ceasefire and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches civilians urgently, safely and without obstruction.

The two countries called for an end to Israeli settlement activity and settler violence, while reaffirming their support for the creation of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders.

They also backed reforms by the Palestinian Authority.

Yemen and Syria

On Yemen, Riyadh and Paris reaffirmed their support for the Presidential Leadership Council and United Nations efforts to reach an inclusive political settlement.

They condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, civilian infrastructure and commercial shipping, and stressed the importance of preserving freedom of navigation. France also expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and rejected attacks on its territory.

On Syria, the two sides emphasized the importance of preserving the country’s unity and stability, strengthening its institutions and supporting its economic recovery.

They also welcomed the establishment of a Saudi-Syrian-French business council.

France and Saudi Arabia separately reaffirmed their commitment to Sudan’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity and called for intensified efforts to end the conflict and halt foreign interference.

Strategic partnership expands

The meeting between Macron and the crown prince also produced a broad economic and investment agenda.

France and Saudi Arabia said bilateral trade reached approximately $11.8 billion in 2025 and agreed to strengthen investment and financial cooperation.

They welcomed plans by Qiddiya Investment Company to develop a major mixed-use destination in Cergy-Pontoise, in France’s Ile-de-France region. The project is expected to combine entertainment, leisure, hospitality, culture and sport, with investment of around 6 billion euros over its development lifecycle.

The two countries also agreed to deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and other emerging technologies.

They extended the Saudi-French partnership on AlUla through 2035, building on existing cooperation in archaeology, heritage and culture and seeking to further establish AlUla as a major international cultural destination.

More than 22 agreements and memorandums of understanding were announced during the crown prince’s visit, covering areas including defense, health care, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and entertainment.

The two sides also welcomed the results of a Saudi-French investment roundtable held on Monday with senior business leaders. The meeting examined joint projects and investment opportunities in energy, industry, finance, transport, health, culture, tourism and artificial intelligence.