Emmanuel Macron is visiting the Gulf monarchies amid violent unrest in France and escalating conflict in the Middle East. This diplomatic effort aims to address two major challenges: easing pressures on French energy supplies and strengthening defense agreements with these countries.
François Gouyette, former French ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, emphasizes that France must play its role as a key partner in the region. He clarifies that French military assistance expresses strategic solidarity without implying direct participation in the war with Iran.
This visit thus illustrates the complexity of Franco-Gulf relations, intertwining economic development, oil resources, and military commitments within a tense and uncertain international context.