Macron to visit UAE on Gulf tour next week
French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar next week, with his office saying the visit will run from October 19 to 21. He plans to discuss the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and its effects on energy prices. The four Gulf countries have all had energy sites attacked during the US-Iran war, which has curtailed oil exports through the strait, and Yemen's Houthi rebels are now pushing for control of the Bab Al Mandeb.
Why it matters: The tour puts energy security and freedom of navigation at the centre of French diplomacy at a moment when disruption in the Strait of Hormuz is affecting oil transport and prices.