French Minister for Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian met top diplomats and officials of the United States (US), including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on July 13-14.
Le Drian and his US counterparts continued talks on issues discussed between French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Joe Biden during the European Union (EU)-US Summit and the G7 Summit hosted by the United Kingdom last month. In addition, Drian welcomed the US position on strengthening transatlantic ties, cooperation with the EU, and efforts to enhance the capabilities of its European allies, which he posited will solidify the North Atlantic Alliance.
While discussing bilateral relations, Le Drian pledged to deepen economic and cultural cooperation with the US. He also talked about migration and the travel ban between Europe and the US, including the obstacles imposed by Biden’s predecessor Donald Trump. Concerning the economy, the ministers proposed creating a working group of energy, including civil nuclear power, headed by the ministers and secretaries of foreign affairs and energy of both nations.
Le Drian reviewed transatlantic trade relations with Blinken and stressed the need to promote joint efforts to end the ongoing pandemic and counter climate change. Regarding climate and biodiversity, the representatives agreed to plan a major conservation event and conference on climate change in the second half of this year.
Apart from this, both sides talked about their position on Russia and agreed to step up coordination within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) framework, especially on arms control and strategic stability. The approach towards China and matters across the Indo-Pacific also featured in the meeting. In this regard, both sides agreed to be balanced and pragmatic in their approach and enhance dialogue between the US and Europe on China.
International crises in Lebanon, Ukraine, Belarus, Haiti, the Sahel, Iraq, Iran, and Ethiopia were also part of the talks. Concerning Belarus, the ministers suggested an inclusive dialogue to resolve the Minsk crisis and broker peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. On the Sahel, Le Drian reaffirmed his government’s political and military support to the region. For the Tigray crisis, an immediate ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian assistance were agreed upon, alongside a stated willingness to engage in fresh dialogue with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Drian also expressed concern over the escalating protests in Haiti and demanded international intervention, especially by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
On Lebanon, both sides promised to extend support to the government that would bring in needed political, constitutional and electoral reforms. Furthermore, Le Drian and the US diplomats stood “in favour of the swift and satisfactory conclusion of negotiations with Iran to return to a full implementation of the 2015 nuclear agreement reached in Vienna, and guarantee the non-proliferation benefits expected of this agreement, and amid our growing concerns about the recent initiatives taken by Iran in the field.” Regarding Iraq, both sides condemned the attacks on the Global Coalition against Daesh and focused on ways to begin de-escalation in the region.
After concluding his meetings in Washington, the French minister is set to travel to New York on Thursday to chair two ministerial meetings at the UNSC. The first meeting will focus on Libya, and the one scheduled on Friday will be dedicated to protecting the humanitarian space. The Minister will also hold discussions on global challenges with UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
France, US Discuss Transatlantic Partnership, Global Security Challenges
French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian discussed bilateral relations, transatlantic partnership and global security challenges with the senior diplomats of the United States.
July 15, 2021
SOURCE: THE HINDU