🔻The Saudi royal court has announced that Mohammad bin Salman, the Crown Prince and the country’s prime minister, has set off on a state visit to France.

According to the royal court, the trip is carried out at the order of Salman bin Abdulaziz, the King of Saudi Arabia, and in response to an invitation from Emmanuel Macron, the President of France.

It is expected that, during the meeting between Mohammad bin Salman and Mr. Macron, in addition to bilateral relations and economic and strategic cooperation, developments in the Middle East will also be discussed.

In recent months, Saudi Arabia and France have held consultations regarding the Iran–U.S. war, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, and efforts to reduce tensions in the region. During a phone call between Mohammad bin Salman and Emmanuel Macron in June, the two sides emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation and support for diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.

France has also said in recent months that, after the reduction in hostilities, it is ready to cooperate with other countries within a mechanism to ensure the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

📸Anadolu Agency via Getty Images