Macron Visits Saudi Arabia to Secure Fuel Supplies and Support
Source reports published 21 Oct 2026, 10:00 am – 22 Oct 2026, 3:09 am AEST
French President Macron undertook a surprise visit to Riyadh to demonstrate solidarity with Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks and to secure additional diesel supplies for France. This visit also involved commitments for fuel deliveries from the UAE and Bahrain.
What happened
- French President Emmanuel Macron visited Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, making him the first Western leader to visit since intensified Houthi attacks.
- The visit aimed to bolster Saudi Arabia’s security and stability in the face of the attacks, particularly targeting the Yanbu oil terminal.
- Macron met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss regional developments and coordinate efforts to strengthen security.
- Saudi agreed to supply extra diesel to France ‘for as many months as necessary’.
- The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain also committed to supplying 100,000 and 100,000 tonnes of diesel monthly, respectively.
- France is deploying military assets to protect Yanbu, and the UK announced the deployment of fighter jets to assist.
- Macron stated that ‘discussions resume’ with the Houthis.
- The visit followed a weekend of protests in France over rising fuel prices and a broader global energy crisis.
Original reporting
- Al Jazeera: Macron makes surprise Saudi visit as France secures extra diesel supplies
2026-10-21T00:00:00+00:00 - France 24 English: Macron visits Riyadh to show solidarity amid Houthi attacks, ease tensions at home via fuel deal
2026-10-21T17:09:37+00:00