PARIS: Saudi Arabia and France signed a series of agreements on Monday covering investment, defense, artificial intelligence, tourism, infrastructure and cultural cooperation, during the first meeting of the Franco-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council.
The agreements were signed during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Paris and followed talks at the Elysee Palace between Saudi and French officials.
Under an agreement extending and amending the existing accord on the development of AlUla, the two countries agreed to extend their cooperation until 2035.
The agreement will open new opportunities in archaeology, cultural initiatives, training, tourism, innovation, sustainable development and preservation of AlUla’s biosphere.
The two sides also signed a letter of intent to strengthen defense cooperation, including the development of capabilities linked to emerging technologies and the defense industry, as well as exchanges of expertise in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, training and military education.
