Saudi, France sign defense deals during Prince Mohammed’s visit

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and French Minister of Defense Florence Parly met on Monday to review bilateral relations and areas of strategic cooperation between the two countries, state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The two leaders also discussed means of further enhancing cooperation, especially in the defense and military aspects, the report said.

Following the meeting, a number of memorandums and agreements for defense cooperation between the two countries were signed for the development of the Saudi Arabian forces and the transfer of technology.

The deals also encompass providing training and creating job opportunities in both countries and completing the necessary measures to support the joint force of Sahel African counter-terrorist organizations, SPA reported.

No details on the size of the deals were disclosed.

Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron hosted the Crown Prince inside the landmark Louvre Museum on Sunday.

Prince Mohammed also met France's Premier Edouard Philippe at in Paris on Sunday.

The two are said to have discussed cooperation relations, particularly in the economic, investment and cultural fields.

The Crown Prince also held meetings with France's Foreign Minister Jean Yves Le Drian.