Saudi Arabia funds the French war in Mali

Meeting the Saudi Prince and Defense Minister Salman bin Abdul Aziz, and French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, in Riyadh, on Sunday, to discuss the situation in Mali and the military cooperation between the two countries, A French diplomatic source said.

The source added, on condition of anonymity, that “the main topic was the French intervention in Mali under the cover of the United Nations,” noting that the brief visit of the minister is not only to discuss this matter, because it was planned before the events in Mali.”

The diplomat stressed that the talks included “military cooperation, such as arming and supplying equipment in different sectors, but without signing any contracts”, as France is the third partner of the kingdom after the United States and Britain.

Sources from the French presidency, alluded to a deal worth one billion euros was allocated to modernize the Saudi fleet by a specialized French company, and provide the Kingdom with “frigates and air defense system”, as special forces of the two countries launch exercises periodically under the program of bilateral military cooperation.

Le Drian gave a letter for the Prince Salman, a message from French President Francois Hollande, then he met with the President of the National Guard, Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, and Deputy of the Defense Minister Prince Khaled bin Sultan.

French president had earlier announced that Paris had financial support of the UAE for the military operation in Mali, as this support includes the use of the French base in Abu Dhabi, and the use of some equipment, such as plthem for use in Mali, if the need arises. He explained that the UAE “may provide humanitarian assistance and material, financial and military might,” adding: “It is up to UAE to determine how it wants to help us.”

When asked about the level of confidence in getting troops from the Gulf states to be deployed in Mali, he said: “Everyone must be committed to the fight against terrorism, we are confident that the UAE will go in that direction, too.”

It is clear that the most important goals of France from this military campaign in Mali, is protecting its economic and strategic interests in the rich Sahel region, as well as reducing the influence of “Al Qaeda” in that region, which is the area of the French influence, after it was in the past its colonial.