Macron makes surprise Saudi visit as France secures extra diesel supplies

Author: Al Jazeera Staff and AFPPublished on: October 21, 2026Country: Saudi Arabia

World / InternationalBusiness & EconomyPolitics

Macron makes surprise Saudi visit as France secures extra diesel supplies

Emmanuel Macron made a surprise visit to Riyadh to show France’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia following intensified Houthi attacks. The Élysée said Saudi Arabia had agreed to supply France with extra diesel “for as many months as necessary,” without specifying the volume. Macron and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also agreed to consult on expanding security cooperation and developing infrastructure to bypass the blockaded Strait of Hormuz. The Gulf tour seeks to secure energy supplies as high prices fuel rioting and social unrest in France.

Stay informed with NewsBoulevard

Get the latest news summaries delivered to your inbox

Related News

After Withdrawing from the UN Race, Macky Sall May Seek OIF Leadership

PoliticsWorld / InternationalSenegal

Amos Traoré•40m ago

After Withdrawing from the UN Race, Macky Sall May Seek OIF Leadership

Macky Sall withdrew his candidacy for UN secretary-general on October 17 after a mixed result in a Security Council vote. According to Africa Intelligence, the former Senegalese president may soon announce a bid to lead the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF). The vote is scheduled for the summit in Cambodia on November 15 and 16, but Sall would enter the race late, after the May 15, 2026, application deadline. He is reportedly counting on support from several backers.

Ebola in Nigeria: Benin Enters Pre-Alert Phase

HealthWorld / InternationalBenin

Armel TOGNON•1h ago

Ebola in Nigeria: Benin Enters Pre-Alert Phase

After a Bundibugyo-strain Ebola case was confirmed in Abuja in a traveler from Uganda, Benin entered a pre-alert phase; no cases had been recorded in the country as of October 20. Health Minister Benjamin Hounkpatin visited Cotonou airport on October 21 to assess screening measures, including thermal cameras and isolation rooms. The ministry activated the One Health technical committees and urged the public to stay vigilant, follow hygiene precautions, and seek prompt medical care if symptoms develop after travel or possible exposure.

Akpabio seeks stronger legislative ties with the UK

PoliticsWorld / InternationalNigeria

Henry Umoru•1h ago

Akpabio seeks stronger legislative ties with the UK

Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, proposed expanding parliamentary cooperation with the United Kingdom through exchange programmes and knowledge-sharing. He made the call in Abuja on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by British High Commissioner Peter Vowles, citing the countries’ longstanding historical, economic and trade ties. Akpabio praised King Charles III’s hospitality during President Bola Tinubu’s recent state visit and encouraged British investors to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s oil and mining sectors.

Stay Updated with NewsBoulevard

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news summaries delivered to your inbox