Saudi CP Mohammed Bin Salman thanks Macron for 'warm reception' in Paris

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman on Friday thanked French President Emmanuel Macron for his "warm reception" during talks in Paris.

"As I leave your friendly country, it gives me great pleasure to express to your Excellency my deepest gratitude and appreciation for the warm reception and hospitality accorded to me and the accompanying delegation," Mohammed Bin Salman wrote in a message posted by the Saudi foreign ministry.

The dinner on Thursday evening was the latest step in the diplomatic rehabilitation of the leader of the Saudi kingdom. Macron shook hands on the steps of the Elysee Palace as he welcomed Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and France have agreed to boost cooperation on renewable energy, including solar energy and clean hydrogen, they said in a joint statement carried by Saudi's state news agency SPA after talks between Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and Emmanuel Macron.

Macron and Prince Mohammed also discussed the importance of stabilising global energy markets and supplies of wheat and grains, SPA added.

Agencies