French President Macron visits Gulf countries to focus on energy supply

China News Service, Paris, October 19th: French President Macron will visit multiple Gulf countries starting from the 19th local time, focusing on energy supply.

Macron’s trip has a tight itinerary. He arrived in Kuwait, the first stop of his visit, on the same day and held talks with Kuwait Emir Al-Mishaal. Later in the day, he transferred to the United Arab Emirates for a visit and held talks with UAE President Mohammed.

Ensuring France's energy supply is an important topic during Macron's visit. French media revealed that representatives from French energy companies such as Total Group accompanied Macron on his visit to the Gulf countries. French officials said that one of the focus issues in Macron's talks with Kuwaiti leaders was to promote the transportation of reserve fuel from the Middle East to French overseas territories of Reunion and Mayotte.

According to UAE official media reports, Macron discussed issues such as the energy crisis caused by the Middle East conflict and artificial intelligence during the meeting with Mohammed. According to the report, the two men discussed the "impact of the situation in the Middle East on maritime security and global energy supplies" during the meeting.

Macron will also visit Bahrain and Qatar next. He will return to China at the end of his visit on the 21st. French officials stated that in addition to energy issues, Macron also hopes to use this visit to promote investment in France from these countries and strengthen cooperation in the defense and security fields.

Macron confirmed in a nationally televised speech on the evening of the 18th that he would visit the Gulf countries as originally planned. He said that France is facing the corresponding consequences caused by conflicts in the Middle East and will ensure France's energy supply through this visit to the Gulf countries. Diesel prices in Europe and the United States have hit record highs in recent weeks. (over)