PARIS — Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Naif, Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior, left here Friday evening following a successful official visit to France, where he was accorded a warm welcome.
During the official visit, Crown Prince Muhammad discussed with the French leadership the means to achieve security, stability and peace in the region and cooperation between the two countries in combating extremism and terrorism of all forms.
At Orly International Airport, the Crown Prince was seen off by the French Minister of Economy and Finance Emmanuel Macron, Minister of State and Member of the Cabinet Dr. Essam Bin Saad Bin Said, Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Adel Bin Zaid Al-Turaifi, Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel Bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir and a number of senior officials.
Al-Turaifi confirmed that the Crown Prince’s visit was a success. He stressed that the Saudi-French relations are strong, explaining that there are conformity of opinions between the two sides, on many regional issues and matters related to the world security.
Earlier, Crown Prince Muhammad received here on Friday the French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve. During the meeting, they discussed ways of enhancing existing cooperation between Kingdom and France in various fields, particularly joint security cooperation for combating terrorism. They also discussed issues of common interest.
Crown Prince Muhammad also received the French Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development Jean-Marc Ayrault. During the meeting, they discussed issues of common interest between the Kingdom and France. They also discussed the latest developments in the Middle East.
Al-Jubeir, who was present during the meeting, termed the Crown Prince’s visit as a success as the two sides had conformity of views on many issues regarding the Middle East, including Syria, Iraq, Iranian interference in the affairs of the region, Yemen, Libya, combatting terror, and enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
The warm talks reflected the strategic and historic ties between the two nations, Al-Jubeir added.
Al-Jubeir too met with Ayrault separately and they discussed bilateral relations and coordinating bilateral stances towards world issues.
In a press statement to Al Ekhbariya TV channel, following the meeting, Al-Jubeir explained that the talks focused on the Syrian issue, ways to find a lasting peace and the conditions for achieving it, in support of the moderate opposition. He added the meeting was fruitful and constructive, noting that France is an ally and a friendly country, with historic and strategic relations with the Kingdom.
“We discussed issues of Syria, Iran, Yemen and the situation in Lebanon, as well as the peace process related to the Palestinian issue,” Al-Jubeir said.
Saudi Ambassador to France Dr. Khalid Bin Mohammed Al-Anqari said after the official visit that relations between the Kingdom and France are strong in all fields.
In a statement to Saudi TV Channel, Al-Anqari said that relations between the two countries are witnessing convergence of many opinions and ideas, be it in economic or other fields, pointing out that there is a consensus and convergence of views that help to accelerate and strengthen the relations between the two countries.
