PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron held an expanded discussion session on Saturday with a group of Saudi and French business leaders to develop and expand mutual investments between the two countries. The meeting, held at the Elysée Palace in Paris, was attended by the visiting Saudi Minister of Investment, Eng. Khalid Al-Falih. The session included the participation of 23 CEOs representing Saudi companies, with discussions focusing on strengthening Saudi-French collaboration in key sectors such as technology, energy transition, and tourism. Al-Falih stated on his X account that he also participated in a workshop for the Global Green Neighborhood Initiative and held a meeting with CEOs from several major French companies to stimulate and develop joint investments. Additionally, Al-Falih met with the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, who hosted a reception for senior executives from Saudi and French companies. On Friday, Al-Falih, alongside Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah, attended the second meeting of the Saudi-French Ministerial Committee for the Development of AlUla. The meeting reviewed the progress and achievements of the Royal Commission for AlUla, aiming to position this unique site as a destination for global investments in tourism and cultural heritage. The committee emphasized its commitment to elevating the Saudi-French partnership for AlUla to new heights. Members from both governments discussed ongoing and future major projects as part of their cooperation in developing AlUla.
