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Macron makes surprise Saudi visit amid protests at home

Published : Wednesday, 21 October, 2026 at 7:43 PM

Observer Online Report

Collected Photo

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Saudi Arabia on an unannounced visit on Wednesday amid rising domestic protests over living costs in France.

During his visit, Macron is scheduled to hold a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday. The key objectives of the visit include securing energy supplies for France and diversifying energy sources to reduce dependency on oil.

According to French news agency AFP, Macron became the first Western leader to visit Saudi Arabia since Iran-backed Houthi forces intensified their attacks on the kingdom this month.

A statement from the French President's office confirmed that Macron traveled to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday afternoon to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The statement added that the visit aims to express France's solidarity with Saudi Arabia in the face of Houthi attacks on its territory, while continuing efforts to ensure energy security and diversify fuel supplies.

Houthi attacks disrupt Saudi operations

Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have reached an unprecedented level in recent weeks, according to AFP reports. The strikes forced authorities to temporarily suspend operations at Riyadh airport and delay a major international investment conference.

Additionally, Houthi attempts to blockade Saudi ports have disrupted oil exports, putting fresh pressure on one of the world's primary energy exporters.

Tackling France's energy crisis

Macron's Gulf visit comes at a time when protests over the rising cost of living in France have turned violent, placing the French president under severe political pressure.

In response, Paris is seeking to secure diesel and petrol supplies while attempting to curb rising fuel prices. Strengthening energy cooperation with Saudi Arabia and diversifying supply sources remain high on the agenda during Macron's visit.

-SA

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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury

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