Macron makes surprise Saudi visit as France secures extra diesel supplies | Energy News
Macron Visits Saudi Arabia Amid Domestic Protests
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — French President Emmanuel Macron made an unannounced visit to Riyadh on Wednesday, becoming the first Western leader to visit Saudi Arabia since an escalation of attacks by Houthi forces. The trip, described as a “solidarity” visit, coincides with rising tensions in the region and ongoing cost-of-living protests in France.
Macron’s visit follows Saudi Arabia’s agreement to provide additional diesel fuel to France “for as many months as necessary,” according to the Élysée Palace. This deal is part of a broader effort to ensure energy security amid soaring prices exacerbated by the ongoing US-Iran conflict and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
“This visit aims to demonstrate France’s solidarity with the kingdom in the face of Houthi attacks, and to pursue initiatives aimed at securing and diversifying hydrocarbon supplies,” the French presidency stated.
The backdrop to Macron’s visit includes widespread unrest in France driven by rising living costs. In response to criticism regarding his trip, Macron stated that he was fulfilling his responsibilities. “There must be no sign of febrility,” he told reporters. “I am at my post.”
During his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the leaders discussed expanding security cooperation and developing infrastructure projects to mitigate the impacts of ongoing regional conflicts.
While the specifics of the additional diesel supply have not been disclosed, Macron’s visit also follows agreements made in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, which together could yield approximately 295,000 tonnes monthly — just over 10 percent of France’s fuel consumption.
In a related development, France has deployed military assets to help secure the Red Sea port of Yanbu, which has faced attacks from the Iran-backed Houthi group, also known as Ansar Allah. Similarly, the United Kingdom announced its plans to deploy fighter jets to assist in protecting Saudi Arabia, with both nations asserting that their military support is purely defensive in nature.
Analysts suggest these actions are aimed at safeguarding Saudi oil exports critical to European energy markets while strengthening Gulf alliances, particularly as the United States remains hesitant to provide direct military support. However, such involvement carries the potential risk of entangling France and the United Kingdom further in the complex dynamics of the Saudi-Houthi conflict.
