# MBS in the City of Light: Does the West Put Economic Interests Above Values?

https://mins.news/en/video/30787

- France 24 English, 2026-08-24 16:26 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T71UxyDudmU

> Jean-Émile Jammine welcomes Susanne Koelbl, Der Spiegel’s award-winning foreign correspondent. Koelbl says Emmanuel Macron’s reception of Mohammed bin Salman at the Élysée embodies realpolitik: Saudi Arabia had become too important to isolate permanently because of its role in energy, regional security, investment and Middle East diplomacy. Macron therefore sought to position France as an independent, balanced power between the Mediterranean and the Gulf.

## Related coverage

- [MBS in the City of Light: Does the West Put Economic Interests Above Values?](https://mins.news/en/item/30783) — France 24, 2026-08-24
- [With 'rare' Paris talks, France hopes to cash in on Saudi investment programme](https://mins.news/en/item/30625) — France 24, 2026-08-24
- [In ‘rare’ Paris talks, France hopes to benefit from Saudi investment plan](https://mins.news/en/video/30647) — France 24 English, 2026-08-24
- [Saudi Arabia’s MBS visits Macron in France: What to expect](https://mins.news/en/item/30579) — Al Jazeera, 2026-08-24
- [France and Saudi Arabia hold talks ranging from Middle East to esports](https://mins.news/en/video/30405) — France 24 English, 2026-08-24
- [Macron to host Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Paris for talks](https://mins.news/en/item/29938) — Al Jazeera, 2026-08-23