Kyiv, 19 October 2023 (TDI): The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, held a lengthy conversation with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, over the phone to discuss pressing bilateral issues ranging from naval capabilities, the Black Sea grain corridor, and the crisis in the Middle East on 18 October.
Zelenskyy thanked Emmanuel Macron for France’s comprehensive support for Ukraine, particularly for the defense assistance package in recent days.
”It is important that all our agreements on strengthening defense support from France are being implemented. I really appreciate it,” Zelenskyy said.
Moreover, the leaders of both countries also discussed the ways to protect the Black Sea grain corridor, as well as the negotiations on the upcoming round of Peace Formula.
Ukraine is one of the world’s biggest suppliers of grains accounting for 10% of global wheat. With the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February and the blockade of Black Sea ports, grain prices suddenly hiked.
Furthermore, Russia and Ukraine agreed on a deal in July 2022 allowing cargo ships to sail along a corridor in the Black Sea. The grain deal expired on 17 July after which the port witnessed a series of attacks destroying thousands of tonnes of grain.
In addition to that, Zelenskyy discussed the situation regarding Middle East with Macron, both parties emphasized the need of protecting civilian and avoiding further escalation in the region.
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According to reports, Ukraine and partner countries have agreed to hold additional discussions at the level of state leader security advisers in order to approve the peace formula put forth by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In the conversation about Ukraine’s collaboration with the European Union, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron discussed matters related to extending macro-financial aid to Ukraine, particularly through the utilization of the new financial tool known as the Ukraine Facility.
Considerable focus was placed on advancing the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula. Volodymyr Zelenskyy provided an update on the upcoming meeting involving national security advisors and foreign policy advisors of the two leaders.
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