French President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday his visit to Saudi Arabia was meant to address issues of security and stability in the Gulf region.

The French president arrived in began his brief Gulf tour where he also visited the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

He was accompanied on the tour by a large delegation including Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire and Defence Minister Florence Parly.

On Friday, France struck a deal for the sale of 80 Rafale jets and 12 Caracal military helicopters to the UAE following talks between Macron and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Mohammed bin Zayed.

In Qatar, the French president held talks with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the strengthening of defense and security relations between the two countries.

(With input from agencies)