France's Macron lands in Riyadh on surprise 'solidarity' visit

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French President Emmanuel Macron made an unannounced solidarity visit to Riyadh as Saudi Arabia faced intensified Houthi attacks. The visit was part of a Gulf tour aimed at securing oil and diesel supplies and easing French prices amid protests over the cost of living.

French President Emmanuel Macron landed in Riyadh in a surprise "solidarity" visit, making him the first Western leader to touch down in the kingdom since Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis intensified their attacks this month. The unannounced trip sends a strong signal to his oil-rich Saudi ally as Riyadh comes under near-daily attack. It was part of a Gulf tour to secure oil and diesel and bring down prices in France, following a weekend of violent protests over soaring living costs.