Saudi Arabia and France Sign Multiple Agreements Including Investment and Defense Cooperation
PARIS: Saudi Arabia and France have inked various investment, defense, artificial intelligence, tourism, infrastructure, and cultural agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs). The developments took place during the official state visit of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to France. Ahead of the next developments of defense cooperation between the two countries, the goal was to further increase the cooperation in the field of defense industries, advanced technology, cyber security, artificial intelligence, military training and transfer of operational experience.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia and France agreed on a strategic partnership in some emerging technological dimensions, such as artificial intelligence and quantum technology, to enhance bilateral technological ties. Both sides signed an agreement to continue the cooperation in the development of the historic city of AlUla up to 2035, in the fields of archaeology, cultural programs, sustainable development and preservation of natural heritage. Furthermore, an investment project worth of millions which is supported by Qiddiya in Cergy-Pontoise, France, was announced, which is expected to create thousands of jobs directly.
Saudi Arabia’s state oil major Aramco also signed up commercial and industrial co-operations with French companies in areas of industrial artificial intelligence and specialized energy equipment. Geopolitical and economic analysts consider this wide-ranging package of pacts as an expansion of the Riyadh-Paris strategic partnership in economic, technological and defensive areas.