Saudi Arabia and France, as in the rest of the world, went through an unprecedented health crisis during the first half of 2020. In this regard, my thoughts go to the families and loved ones of the French and Saudi victims of coronavirus.

I am well aware of the fear and isolation that French and Saudi citizens may have experienced, and I have a special thought for the health-care staff who carry out their duties under such difficult circumstances. Their courage inspires us and calls for respect. I also salute the decisions taken by the Saudi government to protect its people. The French Embassy has contributed to the national effort requested by the Saudi authorities by inviting its nationals to observe the appropriate behavior in order to limit the spread of the virus on Saudi territory.

Under the exceptional conditions imposed by the global health crisis, Saudi Arabia nevertheless presides over the G20 in an outstanding manner. This presidency is characterized by a solidarity towards the poorest countries and in which France fully participates. The G20 finance ministers and Paris Club creditors agreed last April on a temporary suspension of debt servicing for these countries. This decision enables them to release significant financial resources to deal with the consequences of the pandemic and strengthen their health systems.

Franco-Saudi relations are based on common interests, mutual trust and deep respect. It is these shared values that led Saudi doctors to show remarkable courage in choosing to remain in France and assist our hospital staff. We are fully grateful to them.

The consequences of the health crisis are likely to severely disrupt our economies, and we need to act together to address them. Saudi Arabia is one of France’s privileged economic partners in the Middle East, with whom we want to strengthen our strategic relations. France also wants to become the preferred destination for Saudi institutional and private investments, and for this purpose promotes valuable opportunities in promising sectors such as health, biotechnologies, communication technologies, agriculture and renewable energies.

Our country’s attractiveness to foreign investors has grown significantly in recent years. As an economy open to foreign capital and talents, France has many assets: Its geographic positioning, its commercial power, its human capital, its demographic dynamics, the quality and efficiency of its transport and telecommunications infrastructures, the quality of its workforce, and a fabric of innovative small and medium-sized enterprises. Not to forget France’s way of life and cultural wealth, which are highly appreciated by Saudi people.

France and Saudi Arabia have a common goal: To preserve peace and security in the region. Developments in the Yemeni crisis and threats against the Kingdom are prompting France to be extremely vigilant. The deployment last autumn of an anti-missile radar system in the Kingdom, the visit of the French Minister for Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian in February, and my country’s repeated condemnation of Houthi militia fire against Saudi cities attest to France’s unwavering commitment to the security of Saudi Arabia.

It is in this context that our two countries continue to build solid and lasting partnerships in important areas such as the fight against terrorism, particularly in the Sahel region.

Our strategic partnership also extends to the field of culture, where our relations have been developing since 2017. Saudi Arabia has chosen France, the world’s leading tourist and cultural destination, to support it in enhancing and developing its exceptional heritage. In this respect, the intergovernmental agreement for AlUla sets the stage for promising cooperation.

The coronavirus crisis should also be an opportunity to think about future Franco-Saudi relations. Carried by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Vision 2030 opens the doors to a new era, and France wishes to accompany Saudi Arabia in these developments. We have so much to build together.

Long live the Franco-Saudi friendship!

  • Francois Gouyette is the French ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
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