RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has left for a state visit to France where he will meet President Emmanuel Macron, a statement said on Wednesday.

The 37-year-old prince, who is overseeing sweeping social and economic reforms in the oil-rich monarchy, will also take part in the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact in Paris next week, the Royal Court statement said.

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On Monday Prince Mohammed, often known as “MBS”, will attend an official Saudi reception for Riyadh’s candidacy to host Expo 2030.

The trip underlines close French ties with the resource-rich Gulf.