France will send troops, radars and defense systems to Saudi Arabia, as part of an agreement finalized between Paris and Riyadh.
The news was announced by French President Emmanuel Macron, who said the objective is to protect the port city of Yanbu, a strategic point for energy transportation in the Red Sea.
"We have finalized an agreement with the Saudis to deploy military assets, meaning troops, radars and defense systems, to defend this country, not to get involved in the conflict, but to defend the country," Macron said.
The statement comes at a time of heightened tension in the region.
For Paris, the protection of strategic infrastructure and energy transport routes is an issue of particular importance.
During the interview, Macron also commented on the debate in the United States about restricting oil exports.
"What would I propose to Trump? Precisely for us, the major nations and economies known as the G7, to sit down together if we want to lower prices for our countries, perhaps we should consider releasing strategic reserves in a coordinated way. This would increase market supply and lower prices," Macron said.
Meanwhile, regarding Russia, Macron said that the CIA did not warn Paris of a possible Russian attack on Southern Europe that could include France.
However, the French president stated that Russia is increasing hostile and criminal actions against European countries and that France could face threats similar to the failed incident in Leipzig.