Macron's Gulf Diplomacy: Balancing Energy Needs and Strategic Ties

French President Emmanuel Macron's recent Gulf diplomacy highlights the increasingly blurred boundaries between domestic economic security and international strategic commitments. Against a backdrop of violent unrest at home and escalating conflict in the Middle East, Macron's visit to the Gulf serves a dual purpose: alleviating France's energy pressures while reaffirming its long-standing ties with the region. In this FRANCE 24 interview, Genie Godula speaks with François Gouyette, former French ambassador to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, who argues that France's decades-long relationships with Gulf states are built on economic development, oil, and defence agreements. Gouyette provides expert analysis on the significance of Macron's trip and the challenges of balancing domestic and international priorities. The discussion sheds light on France's evolving role in the Middle East and the complexities of its diplomatic and economic interests.