Prince Mohammed bin Salman visits France and meets President Hollande

Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with President Francois Hollande, Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius and Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian during his visit to France this week. The Deputy Crown Prince was accompanied by Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al Jubeir and senior Saudi defense officials. The visit follows a French visit to Riyadh in May when President Hollande participated in a GCC summit, a rare honour for a foreign head of state.

This week, France and Saudi Arabia signed agreements for $12 billion in arms sales, including helicopters and naval vessels. Saudi Arabia is also funding $3 billion in French arms sales to Lebanon. The French are also considering a Saudi request to build two nuclear reactors in the kingdom.

The Prince’s visits to Russia and France underscore the critical role Mohammed bin Salman plays in his Father’s cabinet. His profile in the Saudi media is constantly rising, and his role in representing King Salman abroad unique. No Saudi prince has enjoyed this high a profile in decades.