Macron welcomes Saudi Crown Prince in Paris, will discuss Riyadh’s bid to host World Expo 2030

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Elysée Palace in Paris on Friday where the two will discuss the Ukraine war and Riyadh's World Expo 2030 bid, media reports said.Mohammed bin Salman, often referred to as "MBS", will participate in the official reception on June 19 for Riyadh's candidacy for the world fair.

The bid to host the World Expo 2030 has become a contentious issue, drawing attention from over a dozen human rights organisations who penned an open letter to the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) in Paris. These groups urged the world fair organiser to reject Saudi Arabia's candidacy due to its alarming human rights track record.

However, the year 2030 holds significant importance for Saudi Arabia as it aligns with Vision 2030, the ambitious plan spearheaded by the crown prince for economic diversification and reforms. The Gulf kingdom is also vying to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

The outcome of these bids holds immense significance for Saudi Arabia, with a successful acquisition of the universal expo for 2030 representing a major triumph for the nation's goals and aspirations.

Ukraine, Lebanon, Iraq, Sudan, and bilateral ties

The French Presidency announced that the two leaders would also address the ongoing war in Ukraine. Additionally, they are expected to discuss various issues, including the situationin Lebanon and Iraq, the civil war in Sudan, and methods to reduce tensions. The talks will cover various aspects of bilateral relations, encompassing economic, military, and cultural matters.

Past visits, international engagement

The Crown Prince previously visited Paris officially in July 2022. Since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, MBS has broken out of global isolation and has been meeting with leaders who were previously hesitant to engage with him due to tarnished human rights record in his country.

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During his visit to France, Mohammed bin Salman is also scheduled to attend the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact hosted by President Macron on June 22-23.

Prior to his arrival in France, MBS left Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, according to the Saudi Royal Court. He owns the Chateau Louis XIV, a modern structure in Versailles that aims to replicate the grandeur of French imperial palaces.

The visit underscores Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's accommodation of the demands of influential nations while simultaneously advancing his own aspirations.

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