Former French ambassador says Macron's Gulf diplomacy balances energy needs and defence partnerships

Summary

A France 24 video interview with former French ambassador François Gouyette examines President Emmanuel Macron's Gulf diplomacy amid violent unrest at home and escalating conflict in the Middle East. Gouyette argues the visit serves a dual purpose: easing France's energy pressures while reaffirming its longstanding defence partnerships with Gulf monarchies. He says "France has to play its role as a key partner" and describes French military assistance as strategic solidarity rather than direct participation in the war with Iran.

Timeline

1. France 24

   20 Oct 2026, 15:52 UTCSource ↗

   In a video interview, former French ambassador François Gouyette says Macron's Gulf visit aims to ease France's energy pressures and reaffirm long-standing French defence partnerships with Gulf monarchies, and that French military help reflects strategic solidarity rather than direct participation in the war with Iran.