The Gulf tour of French President Emmanuel Macron, which included Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, revealed the overlap of economic and security priorities in Paris's approach to the region. The tour focused on securing energy supplies, expanding investment, technological, and defense partnerships, and enhancing coordination on regional issues.
Energy and Supply Security
The energy file emerged prominently at the Saudi stop, as the Élysée Palace announced an agreement with Saudi authorities to extend the supply of additional diesel quantities to France as needed. In Qatar, the French and Qatari sides affirmed the importance of maintaining energy security and supply stability, alongside ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz without restrictions or fees.
Economy, Technology, and Industry
In the UAE, Emirati and French institutions and companies signed memorandums of understanding and contracts in the fields of energy, artificial intelligence, and advanced technology. In Kuwait, a letter of intent and a memorandum of understanding were signed in the presence of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and the French President. In Bahrain, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the French President discussed developing relations in the fields of investment, politics, defense, and advanced sciences.
The Franco-Bahraini discussions also covered infrastructure and transport projects, including a railway project linking Bahrain to GCC countries via new bridges. In Doha, Qatar and France reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic, commercial, and investment relations, with bilateral trade volume exceeding 1.52 billion euros in 2025.
Defense Cooperation and Navigation Security
Alongside economic interests, defense and security cooperation formed a central axis of the tour, particularly in Bahrain, where King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa emphasized the importance of the defense cooperation agreement signed with France during his visit there last February. In Saudi Arabia, Macron and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed the strategic relations between the two countries.
Maritime navigation security in the Strait of Hormuz also emerged as a key file, with Paris and its Gulf partners stressing the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and de-escalation. In Doha, Qatar and France affirmed their readiness for joint work to support projects contributing to stability and economic recovery in Syria, in close cooperation with the Syrian government.
Regional Files
On the Palestinian issue, Qatar and France renewed their support for the two-state solution, ensuring the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, and affirmed their rejection of the annexation of the West Bank. Both sides also reaffirmed their support for Lebanon's sovereignty and stability, stressing the importance of continuing international support for Lebanese authorities and armed forces, and implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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