Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, said that his talks with French President Emmanuel Macron have proven the strength of bilateral ties. In a cable of thanks sent to Macron, the Crown Prince reiterated the mutual willingness to deepen cooperation in all fields in line with the vision of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Macron.
Joint statement
Saudi Arabia and France issued a joint statement to mark the state visit of Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman to France, which concluded on Wednesday. The statement said the two countries' commitments will open a new and promising chapter in their relationship within the framework of developing a new strategic partnership covering the political, defense, security, economic, cultural, scientific and educational areas.
The communiqué published by Saudi Press Agency highlighted areas of agreement between the two states:
International and regional politics
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and France share a common objective to realize peace and stability in the Middle East. The ministers of foreign affairs in the two countries will work towards deepening consultations and coordination to back up political solutions. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and France will work towards tackling challenges facing international community, including climate change and human development and the joint action of the two countries will decisively contribute to these domains.
Defense and security
The wide-scale and multi-faceted security cooperation has made counterterrorism a priority for both Saudi Arabia and France with especial interest in combating terrorism and terrorism funding, and that their close cooperation in this regard will expand regional efforts as well as multi-partite endeavors and making them more effective. They will work towards making Paris Conference to combat terrorism funding set to take place on 25-26 April a success.
Economy, commerce and investment
Deepening commerce and investment is beneficial to the two countries' economies as the Kingdom's Vision 2030 is an opportunity to explore new domains in business and cooperation in the main sectors such as water and environment, connected sustainable cities, transport, energy, health, agriculture and water supply.
Academic, cultural and scientific cooperation
The renewal of the partnership framework between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of France will redefine cooperation priorities between the two countries. The two countries will establish programs in the fields of education, training, research, innovation, culture, heritage, tourism, sport and youth. The Republic of France will share its tourism and heritage skills in the interest of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
In the field of cultural heritage, an agreement on the development of Al-Ula province was co-signed by Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Governor of the Royal Commission for Al-Ula and Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France. This cooperation highlights the joint vision between the two countries to maintain and promote the cultural heritage, enhance scientific knowledge, and inaugurate new ways of sustainable tourism for this unique archaeological site.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Royal Commission for Al-Ula and Campus France was signed in the field of training students from Al-Ula province and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Royal Commission for Al-Ula and the Arab World Institute to establish a movable exhibition.
Middle East issues
In the field of regional and international issues, the two sides held discussions where they highlighted their commitment to the peace and security in the Middle East. They also discussed the current situation in the Eastern Ghouta, including the recent reports of chemical weapons use. The two sides called upon the international community to hold the involved in these attacks accountable. The two countries reiterated their stance that the solution of the Syrian crisis must be based on a political solution based on Geneva 1 Declaration and UN Security Council resolution no. 2254 - 2015.
Situation in Yemen
With regard to Yemen, both sides affirmed the need for a political solution as it was called by Security Council Resolution 2216-2015 to end the suffering of the Yemeni people.
The two sides condemned ballistic missile attacks by the Houthi militias on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed the importance of compliance of the countries providing the Houthi militias with weapons and ballistic missiles with relevant UN resolutions prohibiting such acts.
The Kingdom and France agreed to organize an international conference in Paris on humanitarian aid in Yemen. The two countries also reaffirmed their readiness to enhance cooperation with other friendly countries on the security and development of the Red Sea.
They also affirmed their commitment to the stability, unity and sovereignty of Lebanon as reflected in their pledges and stances, at the Cedar Conference held on 6 April 2018, in Paris, stressing the need for all Lebanese parties to abide by the principle of keeping away from regional conflicts.
Regional conflicts
With regard to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the two countries reiterated their call for a two-state solution based on the relevant UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
Iran
The two sides agreed on the need to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. They discussed the steps that will be taken to curb Iran's ballistic program and stop destabilizing aspects of its regional policy.
They pointed out that supplying militias, as well as armed groups, including the groups classified as terrorist organizations by UN, with arms and support is unacceptable. They also pointed out that Iran must abide by international laws and principles regarding good neighborliness and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.
SOURCE : SAUDIGAZETTE
