Saudi-French relations are especially important in light of the acceleration of international and regional changes that require the exchange of views and coordination of positions between the Kingdom and friendly nations in which France occupies a distinguished position. The two policies of the Kingdom and France combine a common desire to contribute to the achievement of security, stability and peace in the world and in particular in the region. The two countries express at every opportunity their full satisfaction with the development of bilateral relations in various political, economic, cultural and defense fields and identical views about a lot of common issues. Events and developments in the region have proved, the depth of relations between the two countries through continuous consultation between their leaderships to find the best ways to resolve the situations in the region. In the economic sphere, France is a major partner as it ranked eight during the year 2012, among the top 10 countries exporting to the Kingdom and also ranked 15 among the countries that the Kingdom exported to them and the volume of trade exchanges between the two countries has doubled to reach more than 10 billion Euros in 2014, with an increase of 10% compared to 2013. France represents the third investor in the Kingdom, and the value of foreign direct investment is up to $ 15.3 billion while the value of Saudi investment in France is up to 900 million Euros. The upcoming visit of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Crown Prince, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister to France will form an addition to the growth of the development of relations between the two countries where he will meet leaders and senior French officials. Kunduz, Ramadan 6, 1436 AH, June 23, 2015, SPA -- Afghan troops retook control of a northern district from Taliban rebels after three days of combat, Reuters quoted a government official said Tuesday. 'We succeeded in retaking the bulk of the district this morning,' said Mohammad Omar Safi, the governor of northern province of Kunduz. 'At least six troops, 85 rebels and one civilians were killed in the clashes,' he said, adding that two soldiers, six civilians and 13 rebels were wounded.'
