| Paris and Riyadh Draw a Diplomatic Roadmap for Regional Crises |
** "The stability of Lebanon begins with one state, one weapon, and full sovereignty."
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Paris and Riyadh Draw a Diplomatic Roadmap for Regional Crises24/08/2026
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud arrived at Les Invalides in Paris, beginning a state visit to France. The visit’s agenda focuses on bolstering bilateral relations and discussing key regional and international issues.
A formal welcoming ceremony was held for the Crown Prince upon his arrival at the palace grounds. He was greeted by French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, along with several other senior French officials.
** Prince Mohammed bin Salman reviewed the guard of honor, and the commander of the guard presented a display of the military units participating in the ceremony. The Crown Prince also greeted ministers and senior officials of the French government.
During the visit, French President Emmanuel Macron and the Saudi Crown Prince affirmed their countries’ commitment to working towards a diplomatic solution that guarantees the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program and prevents the escalation of tensions in the region. In a joint statement, both sides emphasized the importance of adopting political and diplomatic solutions to address regional conflicts and the necessity of reaching a negotiated settlement on the Iranian issue, which would contribute to protecting security and stability and spare the region the risks of further confrontations.
The Lebanese issue featured prominently in the Saudi-French talks, with both sides agreeing to intensify efforts aimed at reaching a final solution to the conflict in Lebanon by strengthening the state and its institutions and preserving the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The statement commended the steps taken by President Joseph Aoun and the government headed by Nawaf Salam to rebuild state institutions and extend their authority over all Lebanese territory.
** The two sides also affirmed their commitment to supporting the Lebanese army and security forces, enabling them to fully assume their national responsibilities, protect internal stability, and consolidate state authority.
The statement stressed the importance of the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, the complete disarmament of all armed groups, and Israel’s complete withdrawal from all Lebanese territory.
The Saudi Crown Prince’s visit to Paris reflects a clear convergence between Riyadh and France in addressing the most sensitive issues in the region. Both countries prioritize diplomacy in dealing with the Iranian nuclear issue, alongside a firm stance on Lebanon based on strengthening state institutions and ending the duality of arms and authority.
The positions regarding Lebanon are particularly significant because they link a complete Israeli withdrawal and the implementation of Resolution 1701, on the one hand, with the extension of state authority and the disarmament of armed groups, on the other. This balance indicates a Saudi-French approach that considers the restoration of stability contingent upon full Lebanese sovereignty, a capable army, and international support that prevents renewed conflict.
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