Macron hosts Saudi crown prince for talks on Hormuz alternatives

French President Emmanuel Macron received Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Elysee Palace on Monday, marking the second day of the Saudi leader's visit to France.

The two leaders were expected to discuss the fallout from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and explore ways to develop alternative trade and energy corridors, according to the French presidency.

Among the proposals under consideration are boosting trade through Omani ports outside the Persian Gulf, expanding pipeline networks in Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries, and building new rail links.

France and Saudi Arabia have also set up a joint task force focused on energy and logistics connections between the Middle East and Europe. That group was scheduled to meet at ministerial level on Monday.

On Sunday, Macron and the crown prince attended the Esports World Cup award ceremony in Paris. The visit is Mohammed bin Salman's first trip abroad since his November 2025 visit to Washington, the French presidency said.