Macron makes unannounced Riyadh visit as Houthi attacks intensify, securing a Saudi diesel commitment and talks on expanded security cooperation

French President Emmanuel Macron made an unannounced visit to Riyadh to show solidarity with Saudi Arabia amid near-daily attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement. The Élysée Palace said he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a trip that lasted less than three hours on the ground; Macron was the first Western leader to visit since the attacks intensified this month.

The stop was part of a broader Gulf tour to secure oil and diesel supplies to help lower prices in France after weekend protests over soaring living costs. Facing domestic criticism, Macron told reporters he was doing his job to ease tensions over fuel prices.

The Élysée Palace said the leaders agreed that Saudi Arabia would provide additional diesel to France for as many months as necessary. They also agreed to consult on expanding security cooperation and infrastructure projects.

Earlier on Wednesday, Macron said France had deployed personnel and capabilities to help protect the key Saudi oil terminal of Yanbu on the Red Sea from Houthi attacks. He also stressed the importance of resuming discussions with the group. During the regional tour, Macron secured additional energy supplies, including diesel and liquefied natural gas, from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar.