French Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Patrick Maisonnave has reaffirmed France’s full support for Saudi Arabia’s efforts to restore peace and stability in Yemen, underscoring the issue’s centrality to regional security and humanitarian priorities. Speaking in an interview with Arab News, the envoy conveyed that Paris clearly recognizes Yemen as a matter of stability and security for the Kingdom and aligns itself with Riyadh’s initiatives aimed at ending the conflict. He further emphasized that the European Union and its member states remain among the most significant contributors to humanitarian assistance in Yemen, continuing to fund relief operations addressing food insecurity, healthcare access, clean water, and sanitation. Maisonnave described the situation on the ground as serious and demanding, pointing to the scale of civilian needs. His remarks reflected established EU policy, which has relied on multi-million-euro funding packages while also supporting diplomatic and political tracks led by the United Nations and regional partners, even as progress toward a comprehensive peace agreement has remained slow. The ambassador also noted that discussions are underway within the EU on the possible designation of the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, similar to steps already taken by the United States, Saudi Arabia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.
Gaza Diplomacy and Franco-Saudi Cultural Ties Shape Broader Regional Engagement
Beyond Yemen, Maisonnave addressed the situation in Gaza by reaffirming France’s consistent support for a two-state solution, indicating that Paris views it as the only viable path to long-term coexistence, regional stability, and peace, even if current conditions make it appear distant. He suggested that international actors must eventually move from declarations to concrete implementation and indicated that this demand is shared with Saudi Arabia. The ambassador also reflected on the depth of Franco-Saudi relations, noting that cooperation has accelerated following French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the Kingdom in December 2024. According to Maisonnave, this momentum builds on nearly eight years of strategic partnership since the April 2018 intergovernmental agreement on the sustainable development of AlUla, which led to the creation of the French Agency for AlUla Development. He highlighted the upcoming inauguration of a major cultural exhibition by the Centre Pompidou in AlUla, alongside numerous exhibitions across the Kingdom. He also referenced the recent launch of La Fabrique in Riyadh’s JAX District by the French Institute in Saudi Arabia and Riyadh Art, describing it as a Saudi-French creative space operating from Jan. 22 to Feb. 14.