Macron's Gulf tour secures fuel supplies and defence deals amid Houthi attacks

French President Emmanuel Macron made a surprise solidarity visit to Riyadh on Wednesday, becoming the first Western leader to arrive in Saudi Arabia since Iran-backed Houthi attacks intensified this month. The unannounced trip sent a strong signal to the oil-rich kingdom as it faces near-daily attacks. Macron spent less than three hours on the ground and met de facto leader Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The two leaders agreed that Saudi Arabia would supply additional diesel to France for as many months as necessary. They also agreed to consult on expanded security cooperation and infrastructure projects to bypass the blockaded Strait of Hormuz. Earlier, the presidency said the visit would demonstrate France's solidarity with the kingdom in the face of Houthi attacks on its territory.

“There must be no sign of febrility. I am fulfilling my role. I am at my post.”

Macron's wider three-day tour covered five Gulf states, including the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. France secured energy supplies equivalent to 10 per cent of French consumption, in the form of LNG shipments from Qatar and diesel sales from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE. The energy announcements were aimed at a domestic audience as France grapples with violent social unrest fuelled by high energy prices following Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Macron said France had sent troops to help shield the key Saudi oil terminal of Yanbu on the Red Sea from Houthi attacks. He insisted it was important that discussions resume. Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have reached an unprecedented scale in recent weeks, forcing Riyadh to shut its main airport and postpone a major investment conference. A Houthi maritime blockade is also threatening oil exports from the kingdom.

In Doha, Macron adopted an upbeat and combative tone, telling reporters before departing on Wednesday that showing presence during difficult times made it easier to gain visibility. He described the exchange of services with Gulf states as a political victory and said it was important for France. He also confirmed that defence cooperation had been high on the agenda, with an important inter-governmental agreement signed with the UAE.