Saudi Arabia, France team up in geological works, mining industries

Benjamin Gallezot, France’s Ministerial Envoy for the Supply of Strategic Minerals and Metals

French companies continue to bring solutions and expertise to empower their Saudi peers, said Benjamin Gallezot, France’s Ministerial Envoy for the Supply of Strategic Minerals and Metals.

He cited the investment by French company Bureau Veritas in building a hub in Jeddah to bring its support to mining operations all over Saudi Arabia and the region.

In statements to Argaam, Gallezot indicated that cooperation between Saudi Arabia and France includes several areas, including geological cooperation and industrial partnerships.

France has previously taken part in the geological mapping in the Kingdom, and will continue to provide its expertise through its Geological Research Bureau, according to the official.

He reaffirmed his country's commitment to bolstering cooperation with Saudi Arabia in the field of strategic minerals and metals, stressing that Vision 2030 stands for an ambitious plan to achieve sustainable development goals, with France looking forward to help achieve these goals.

The ties between the two countries are based on strong ties between their leaderships, said the official, highlighting the strengthening of this relationship during the French President's recent visit to the Kingdom.

Further, cooperation between the two countries extends to Africa and Central Asia, where France is currently working with countries such as Kazakhstan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the development of their mineral resources in a sustainable way.

Gallezot also stated that the tie-up constitutes a strategic partnership of mutual benefit, which helps boost the role of the two countries as major players in the global mining sector.