Macron calls on Saudi prince to exert influence on Moscow

This was reported by Politico, Ukrinform saw.

Macron will press bin Salman during a private dinner at the Elysee Palace to use his influence on Russia, a French presidential palace official told the outlet.

In relation to Russia's war against Ukraine, Saudi Arabia has taken an ambiguous position in the past, voting for UN resolutions condemning Russian aggression, but at the same time resisting U.S. calls to increase oil output, which would reduce Moscow's profits off oil sales.

However, according to the Elysee Palace, Saudi Arabia has shown that it has "moved" on the issue.

“What we are asking … is that [Saudi Arabia] helps us accelerate a Ukrainian victory, which would lead to talks between Ukraine and Russia … On the basis of conversations, we know they share this vision,” said the same official from the Elysée in a briefing with reporters.

The talks between Macron and bin Salman will also focus on restoring relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran and on how the two countries can help resolve tensions in Lebanon.

As reported, French President Emmanuel Macron warned his Iranian counterpart Ibrahim Raisi about the consequences of Iran’s supply of deadly drones to Russia.

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