Macron visits Riyadh to back Saudi Arabia and secure fuel supplies

French President Emmanuel Macron made an unannounced visit to Riyadh on Wednesday to show support for Saudi Arabia after Houthi attacks and discuss fuel supplies, LRT reported.

Macron was due to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, his office said. The visit is part of a tour of Gulf states aimed at securing supplies of diesel and petrol as France seeks to reduce energy costs.

Macron’s office said the trip would demonstrate France’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia in the face of Houthi attacks and continue efforts to secure and diversify hydrocarbon supplies.

The visit makes Macron the first Western leader to travel to Saudi Arabia since Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen intensified attacks on the kingdom this month. The attacks have reached an unprecedented scale in recent weeks, forcing Riyadh airport to close and delaying a major investment conference. Houthi efforts to block Saudi ports have also disrupted the kingdom’s oil exports.

Macron is seeking to lower energy prices after rising living costs triggered violent protests in France and a political crisis.