It is an invitation that has drawn much criticism. Emmanuel Macron dined Thursday evening with Mohammed Bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. The French president came down to greet his guest on his arrival at the Elysée.
They lingered for a few seconds in front of the cameras and photographers present, exchanging a long handshake.
NGOs stand up against the arrival of MBS
This is the first time that the man nicknamed “MBS” has set foot on the European continent since the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi in 2018in which the prince is suspected of being involved.
Several NGOs have criticized this invitation, and two of them announced Thursday to file a complaint against Mohammed Bin Salman for complicity in torture and enforced disappearance.
The Elysée for its part affirmed that this dinner was necessary, in view of the soaring energy prices, the food crisis in the Middle East and concerns linked to the Iranian nuclear program.