Saudi Arabia discusses bilateral ties, regional developments with France, Jordan

RIYADH, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia held separate high-level talks in Riyadh on Wednesday with the visiting French president and Jordanian foreign minister to review bilateral strategic ties and regional developments.

During a meeting between Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and French President Emmanuel Macron, the leaders reviewed historical and strategic relations between the two countries, existing areas of cooperation, and ways to strengthen them across various sectors in their mutual interests, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

They also exchanged views on regional and international developments and discussed coordination of efforts aimed at strengthening security and stability.

Also on Wednesday, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud met with Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi to discuss regional developments and bilateral relations, according to a statement by Jordan's Foreign Ministry.

During the talks, Safadi reaffirmed Jordan's solidarity with Saudi Arabia in confronting Houthi attacks, condemning the targeting of civilians and economic infrastructure as a flagrant violation of international law.

The two ministers discussed regional efforts to de-escalate tensions and contain their repercussions, stressing the importance of regional stability, non-interference and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

During the meeting, the two sides signed an amended protocol to a 2016 agreement establishing the Saudi-Jordanian Higher Coordination Council, a framework for institutional cooperation between the two countries.

The amended protocol updates the council's organizational structure and seeks to enhance its role in institutionalizing and expanding bilateral cooperation, according to the Jordan News Agency.