Macron begins a Gulf tour from Kuwait to discuss energy security and defense cooperation

Next Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron will begin a three-day Gulf tour, which will include Kuwait, the Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar. The discussions will focus on developments in the regional crisis, navigation security in the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring energy supplies to France, in addition to strengthening defense and economic cooperation with countries in the region.

The Elysee Palace announced, on Wednesday, that the tour scheduled between October 19 and 21 comes within the framework of French efforts to enhance regional stability and ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, in light of the turmoil witnessed in the movement of oil and gas transportation and its repercussions on global markets and energy prices.

Kuwait is the first stop on the tour, where Macron will meet on Monday morning, the Emir of the country, Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, to hold discussions covering bilateral relations and cooperation in the fields of defence, infrastructure, and health, as well as security and political developments in the region.

The French President is scheduled to move to the Emirates to hold talks with the President of the State, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to discuss defense and security cooperation and modern technologies, especially artificial intelligence, in addition to following up on investment partnerships between the two countries.

The tour includes Bahrain, where Macron will discuss with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa economic and defense relations and Bahraini investments in France, before concluding his tour with a state visit to Qatar on October 20 and 21, during which he will hold discussions with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, dealing with economic and defense cooperation and coordination on regional and international issues.

The energy crisis occupies an advanced position on the visit’s schedule. Paris seeks to secure additional quantities of oil and diesel and diversify sources of supply and transportation routes, thus contributing to reducing the impact of rising fuel prices on French consumers.

French media reported, citing an advisor at the Elysee, that Macron will be accompanied by officials from the French groups Total Energies and Engie. In an effort to obtain commitments related to energy supplies, and to discuss available alternatives for transporting it in light of the tensions affecting navigation in the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab.

The tour comes at a time when France seeks to strengthen its strategic partnerships with the Gulf states, and expand the presence of its companies in the defense, energy and technology sectors, in parallel with its diplomatic efforts to address the repercussions of the regional crisis on the security of sea lanes and international trade.