Saudi, France strengthen healthcare and biotech ties

The bilateral health pact is also nearing finalisation.

Saudi Health Minister Fahad Abdurrahman AlJalajel has met with top French officials in Paris to advance strategic cooperation in healthcare, biotechnology, and innovation.

A major outcome of the visit was the near-finalisation of a bilateral health agreement that will provide a structured platform for ongoing collaboration, joint projects, and institutional partnerships.

Several memoranda of understanding were also signed between the Greater Paris University Hospitals (AP-HP) and the Saudi Red Crescent Authority. These agreements will support cooperation in research, medical innovation, and emergency medical services.

AlJalajel held formal talks with H.E. Catherine Vautrin, France’s Minister for Labour, Health, Solidarity, and Family Affairs, and H.E. Frédéric Valletoux, Minister for Health and Access to Care in his visit.

The French ministers praised Saudi Arabia’s sweeping health reforms under Vision 2030, particularly advancements in digital health and quality of care. Both sides emphasised the importance of trust, knowledge exchange, and complementarity in building a resilient and innovative healthcare partnership.

The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to joint action on global health issues such as antimicrobial resistance and pledged closer ties with international organizations including the WHO Academy and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

AlJalajel also met with French officials responsible for artificial intelligence and foreign trade to explore partnerships in digital health and technology.

At the Saudi French Business Council Forum, additional agreements were signed in areas including oncology, emergency medicine, and biotech, reinforcing both nations’ commitment to innovation-driven healthcare.

The three-day visit marked a key step in expanding Saudi-French health cooperation, aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and France’s global health priorities.