Emmanuel Macron opens Gulf tour in Kuwait to secur...

Summary

• French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Kuwait on Monday for the first stop of a Gulf tour designed to win extra fuel supplies for France.
• Why Emmanuel Macron wants Gulf fuelThe presidency said the visit will cover regional stability, freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and energy security.
• Beyond energy, Emmanuel Macron hopes to expand French partnerships in defence, technology, infrastructure and investment.

AI Generated Summary

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Kuwait on Monday for the first stop of a Gulf tour designed to win extra fuel supplies for France.

His trip covers four countries: Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar. It lasts from October 19 to 21.

In Kuwait, he plans talks with Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on strengthening bilateral relations.

Why Emmanuel Macron wants Gulf fuel

The presidency said the visit will cover regional stability, freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and energy security.

Shipping disruption in the strait risks deepening an energy crisis. Rising living costs have also fed unrest back in France.

Macron’s office said he will seek promises of extra diesel and petrol. A presidential adviser said the goal is more volume for French consumers, which should indirectly help prices.

Executives from TotalEnergies and Engie, the two largest French energy groups, travel with him.