Saudi and French sports ministries sign agreement to boost cooperation

The Ministry of Sports signed a memorandum of understanding yesterday with the French Ministry of Sports, Youth and Community Life, aiming to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the sports sector and expand joint initiatives and the exchange of expertise and experiences.

The signing ceremony took place in Paris on the sidelines of the closing event for the 2026 Esports World Cup, with Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal and French Minister of Sports, Youth and Community Life Marina Ferrari representing their respective countries.

The memorandum establishes a general framework for sports cooperation, including the exchange of programs and expertise between relevant institutions and bodies, the development of sports professionals, and increased participation in conferences, seminars, and sporting events hosted by both nations.

It also covers enhanced collaboration and knowledge-sharing among coaches, experts, and researchers in elite sports, esports, grassroots sports, sports science, medicine, and law. The agreement encourages cooperation between sports organizations, technical and administrative exchanges, visits between national teams, and support for joint seminars, conferences, and scientific research.

Areas of cooperation extend to anti-doping efforts, sports for all, sports for people with disabilities, applied sports science and technology, organizing and sustaining sports events, sports infrastructure, investment and sports tourism, and esports. The memorandum also includes information sharing, joint projects in sports policy within international organizations, and greater collaboration between economic stakeholders in the sports and esports sectors.

This memorandum reflects the strong relationship between Saudi Arabia and France and their commitment to strengthening sports cooperation, exchanging expertise, and expanding opportunities for joint work between sports institutions in both countries.