French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during his first interview from the Elysee Palace in Paris, on October 15, 2017. AFP FILE PHOTO
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia鈥擣rench President Emmanuel Macron has met Saudi Arabia鈥檚 crown prince in Riyadh on Thursday.
The state-run Saudi Press Agency reported the meeting early Friday, saying that Macron met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman late Thursday night.
The agency said they discussed 鈥渢he latest developments in the Middle East and the efforts being exerted for the security and stability of the region, including joint coordination in the fight against terrorism.鈥�
The report also said that Macron 鈥渆xpressed France鈥檚 condemnation of targeting Riyadh city by a ballistic missile.鈥� That missile was fired by Shiite rebels in Yemen and Macron on Thursday night said the missile 鈥渙bviously鈥� was Iranian, without elaborating.
Macron announced the surprise visit at the end of a two-day trip to the neighboring United Arab Emirates.
Iran has denied arming Yemen鈥檚 rebels.
Macron鈥檚 announced trip to Saudi Arabia comes as the kingdom鈥檚 Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been cementing his power amid a series of arrests of princes and business leaders in what the kingdom describes as a crackdown on corruption. /jpv