France, Oct. 19 -- On Sunday, Macron's office said he might not leave for the trip and could stay in France to deal with the aftermath of nationwide rioting and looting during protests over poor conditions in schools and rising prices.

But in a TV address to the nation on Sunday night to discuss the violence, Macron confirmed he would depart as scheduled.

"I've taken a number of initiatives on an international level in order to ensure that we have fuel and gas and will continue to do so by visiting the Gulf countries in order to secure our supply," he said during his 10-minute speech.

Macron will visit Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar from 19 to 21 October, with energy security expected to feature prominently as Fran...