Macron lands in Riyadh on surprise solidarity visit to Saudi Arabia

French President Emmanuel Macron landed in Riyadh on Wednesday for a surprise "solidarity" visit after weeks of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. He is due to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Why is Macron visiting Saudi Arabia?

Macron's office said the visit aims to demonstrate France's solidarity with the kingdom against Houthi attacks on its territory. It also aims to continue efforts on securing and diversifying hydrocarbon supplies. The trip is part of a Gulf tour to secure diesel and petrol as Macron seeks to bring down energy prices.

"The president of the republic is travelling to Saudi Arabia this afternoon to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman," a statement from Macron's office said. The statement said the visit was meant to "demonstrate France's solidarity with the kingdom in the face of the attacks carried out by the Houthis against its territory, and to continue efforts undertaken on securing and diversifying hydrocarbon supplies."

Macron faces a political crisis at home. Violent protests in France, sparked by rising living costs, have put pressure on the president.

Is Macron the first Western leader to visit Saudi Arabia since the Houthi attacks?

Macron is the first Western leader to visit the kingdom since Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis intensified their attacks this month.

How serious are the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia?

Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have reached an unprecedented scale in recent weeks. They have forced Riyadh airport to shut and led to the postponement of a major investment conference.

A Houthi attempt to blockade Saudi ports is also hampering oil exports from the kingdom.