English / العربية

France and the Arab Gulf


by Charles Saint-Prot

Charles Saint-Prot, Director of the French Observatory of Geopolitical Studies, participated symposium on France's relations with Arabian Gulf countries organized on June 3th and 4th 2006 by the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR), in Abu Dhabi, under the patronage of its Chairman, His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and with HE Patrice Paoli, ambassador of France and a host of international and Arab experts taking part.


Charles Saint-Prot had a lecture about ”The French Perspective of the politics in the Arab Gulf”.

Abstract :

The Arab Gulf is a strategic region. It is also a vulnerable area which is confronted, once again, at one period of tension. The challenges are numerous and the Arab States of the Gulf need to consolidate their co-operation with reliable allies. These countries are with the crossroads of the Arab nation and Iran. It is a strategic area for the production of hydrocarbons. Moreover, an important international maritime way crosses the area: the Strait of Hormuz. The area is also a major money market. Last but not least, the Arab Peninsula is the heart of the Moslem world, with in particular the Holy Places of Mecca the Blessed and Medina the Radiant..

The area of the Arab Gulf is vulnerable for two main reasons. On the one hand, the six States of the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have evil to ensure their security in a dangerous regional environment (occupation and destabilisation of Iraq, Palestinian crisis, problem of the Iranian nuclear program). On the other hand, this States must face the threat of terrorism. It is also necessary to hold account of the concern raised by the worrying US project of the new Great Middle East.

In the current context, the Sates of GCC must take up three challenges: security, the economic and social development, the diplomatic rebalancing. The Arab Gulf States may find it beneficial to turn to the two other large international poles: Asia and Europe. The rise of new economic powers in Asia opens opportunities, in particular with China and India. The signature of an accord on defense, security and trade in March 2006 between China and Saudi Arabia and discussions on setting up a strategic oil reserve in China, to be supplied by the Saudis, serve as good examples. Besides, the countries of European Union are partners whose role should develop. But, considering the weakness of the common European diplomacy, one needs a leader. Because of its traditional Arab policy, France is in a good position to promote a global cooperation with the countries of the CCG. This co-operation should not be only economic but also political, military, cultural and university. The objective should be to develop a strategic partnership and an example of dialogue between civilizations .