France sending experts to investigate Saudi oil attack

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks to media as he arrives at the European Council summit in Brussels, Belgium on 21 March 2019 [Dursun Aydemir/Anadolu Agency]

France will send experts to Saudi Arabia to help with investigations into an attack on Saudi oil installations, President Emmanuel Macron’s office said on Wednesday, reports Reuters.

Macron strongly condemned the attack, the Elysee Palace said, and assured Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that France was committed to stability in the Middle East.

“In response to a Saudi request, President Macron confirmed to the crown prince that France will send experts to Saudi Arabia to take part in investigations aimed at revealing the origin and modalities of the attacks,” the Elysee said.

The attack which halted half the kingdom’s output could harm French diplomacy meant to avert a feared US-Iranian conflict, diplomats told Reuters after Macron’s top envoy held talks in Saudi Arabia.

READ: G7 leaders give Macron nod to send message to Iran, says Elysee source

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