France sends troops to Saudi Arabia

France will send troops, radars and defense systems to Saudi Arabia, under an agreement finalized between Paris and Riyadh.

The announcement was made by French President Emmanuel Macron, who said the objective is to protect the port city of Yanbu, a strategic point for energy transport in the Red Sea.

“We have finalized an agreement with the Saudis to deploy military assets — meaning troops, radars and defense systems — to protect this country, not to get involved in conflict, but to protect the country,” Macron said.

The statement comes at a time of heightened tension in the region.

For Paris, protecting strategic infrastructure and energy transport routes is a matter of particular importance.

During the interview, Macron also commented on the debate in the United States over limiting oil exports.

“What would I propose to Trump? Precisely that we, the major nations and economies known as the G7, sit down together — if we want to lower prices for our countries, we should perhaps consider releasing strategic reserves in a coordinated way. That would increase market supply and lower prices,” Macron said.

Meanwhile, regarding Russia, Macron said the CIA had not warned Paris of a possible Russian attack on Southern Europe that could also involve France.

However, the French president said Russia is stepping up hostile and criminal actions against European countries, and that France could face threats similar to the failed incident in Leipzig.