Macron and Bin Salman discuss strengthening their cooperation in the field of defense and energy, and renew their commitment to helping Lebanon
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On Sunday, March 26, 2023, French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman discussed strengthening their cooperation in the field of defense and energy, and renewed their determination to “work together” to help Lebanon.
The Elysee stated that the two leaders praised, during a phone call, the “dynamism of their bilateral relationship,” especially in terms of “deepening cooperation in the fields of economy and culture.”
The French presidency added that they “also discussed areas in which this cooperation can be strengthened, especially with regard to defense and energy issues.”
The Elysee stated that they “expressed common concern about the situation in Lebanon and reiterated their determination to work together to help get the country out of the deep crisis it is going through.”
Since 2019, Lebanon has been witnessing an economic collapse, the worst in its history. The political crisis in this country exacerbates the situation, as the deputies have not yet elected a president since November, while the country’s affairs are run by a caretaker government whose powers are limited.
On the other hand, Macron welcomed the decision of Saudi Arabia and Iran to resume their diplomatic relations, stressing its “importance to regional stability.”