Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy Premier and Defence Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud today met in Paris French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe.
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said that the two sides reviewed bilateral relations, focusing particularly on economic investment, cultural co-operation and opportunity of bolstering joint partnership.
Minister of Culture and Information Dr Awwad bin Saleh Al Awwad held talks with French Minister of Culture Francoise Nyssen on the sidelines of the visit of Prince Mohammed.
The two sides discussed issues of common interest in addition to means of exchanging experiences and expanding co-operation and partnership in the fields of culture, arts and media.
Dr Al Awwad and Nyssen signed co-operation agreements in the fields of culture, arts, cinema industry, theatre and music.
Dr Al Awwad announced that the kingdom will participate in Cannes Film Festival 2018 through a pavilion sponsored by the Saudi Film Council.
Around 18 MoUs in energy, agriculture, tourism and culture are set to be signed at an official Saudi-France CEO Forum on Tuesday.
A Franco-Saudi co-operation deal to develop Al Ula, a Saudi city richly endowed with archaeological remnants, is also expected to be a highlight of the visit.
Meanwhile, the 39th session of the Saudi-French Joint Business Council started in Paris in the presence of Minister of Commerce and Investment Majed Al Qassabi and Minister of Transport Nabeel Al Amoudi.
President of the council Mohammed bin Laden said the volume of trade exchange between the two countries amounted to SR210 billion in five years.
He said the Crown Prince’s visit to France will enhance the kingdom’s efforts in diversifying the national economy, achieving the aspirations of Vision 2030 and attracting foreign investments.
The Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) said the total volume of French investments in the kingdom exceeded SR80.1 billion.
At present, French investments in the kingdom is established in energy, water and sanitation and pharmaceutical sectors.
There are 179 French-licenced projects ranging from services, commercial, industrial and scientific and technical. The service sector occupied the largest share of 108 licences, followed by 45 industrial licences.
France is among the targeted countries to attract investments in energy, food, IT, health, transportation and infrastructure development.
(With input from Saudi Gazette)
&uuid=(email))