Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, began his trip to the Persian Gulf on Monday. This trip is aimed at securing oil and diesel supplies to reduce prices and follows a weekend filled with violent protests stemming from rising living costs.
Meeting with the Emir of Kuwait and Economic Discussions
Macron arrived in Kuwait, one of the OPEC members, just hours after condemning the "unrestrained" violence in France, and was welcomed by the Emir of the country, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. He also plans to visit the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar by Wednesday to strengthen "economic and defense partnerships" in the Persian Gulf. This region has faced turmoil since the onset of the war between the U.S. and Iran last February.
Read more: Announcement of road closures in Kuwait due to maintenance operations
Security Challenges and Fuel Supply
Before flying to Kuwait, Macron stated that this trip is essential for "securing our resources" and noted that protesters have expressed concerns about fuel prices. In Kuwait, discussions will focus on providing pre-positioned reserves of crude and diesel from Oman to the French islands of Réunion and Mayotte. Additionally, Catherine Colonna, the French Minister of Armed Forces, signed an agreement on defense cooperation with her Kuwaiti counterpart. These discussions also include arms sales.
Impact of the Trip on Energy Markets
During this trip, Macron is accompanied by senior executives from two major French energy companies, TotalEnergies and Engie. The G7 countries, which France is chairing this year, agreed earlier in October to use 100 million barrels of oil from their strategic reserves to ease pressure on the market. Crude oil prices have risen during the eight-month war, while Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, the main energy export route from the Persian Gulf.
Energy experts believe that Macron's trip will not affect fuel prices. Francis Perrin, an energy expert from the French Institute for International and Strategic Relations, says: "Gulf Arab countries are very eager to meet global and French market needs, but until the region stabilizes, it is difficult for them to make stronger commitments."
Defense and Security Discussions
Macron will also discuss ways to "secure" maritime transport and find "alternative routes" for energy exports with Gulf leaders, including the President of the United Arab Emirates and the Emir of Qatar. France and Britain have also arranged an international mission to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, primarily through mine-clearing operations. However, both sides remain at an impasse after eight months of conflict.
The French President will also continue discussions on defense cooperation after Gulf countries were targeted by thousands of Iranian missiles and drones. Last spring, France deployed the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, as well as Rafale fighters and a frigate, along with air defense weapons to the region.
Read more: Sergey Lavrov: Gulf coastal countries must be decision-makers in the security of this region · Colonel Jafar Reisi: The security of the Persian Gulf coasts relies on the cooperation of border residents
