Washington DC, 16 September 2022 (TDI): The US Deputy Secretary of State, Wendy Sherman spoke with the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France, Anne-Marie Descôtes.
French Foreign Ministry Secretary General @amdescotes and I discussed our support for Ukraine as it defends against Russia’s unprovoked war, Kosovo-Serbia relations, the situation in Haiti, and our partnership to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. https://t.co/7CQUOXqhpa
— Wendy R. Sherman (@DeputySecState) September 16, 2022
Both dignitaries reviewed ongoing efforts to give Ukraine a variety of support. The two sides discussed methods in which both states could collaborate to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, including the Partners in the Blue Pacific program.
The Blue Pacific Program is a five-state “informal mechanism” to support Pacific islands and boost diplomatic, and economic ties in the region.
Both officials of states also reviewed attempts to normalize relations between Serbia and Kosovo. Further, they committed to continue working together to promote a peaceful transition in Haiti.
Also read: US-France Rapprochement: State Secretary Antony Blinken Visits Paris
United States-France Diplomatic Relations
The United States and France established diplomatic relations in 1778, following the United States’ declaration of independence from Great Britain. France provided crucial assistance to the United States as an ally during the American Revolutionary War.
During World War II, the French government severed diplomatic ties with the United States in 1942. Diplomatic relations were restored in 1944. The United States and France are two of the five permanent UN Security Council members (P5).
The United States and France have robust and cordial relations. The two nations have similar policies on the majority of political, economic, and security concerns and hold similar ideals.
Both states collaborate closely on a variety of topics, including the fight against terrorism, attempts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and regional challenges in Africa, the Middle East, the Balkans, and Central Asia.
France is one of the top five contributors of troops to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The French are the largest contributors to the NATO Response Force and support modernization efforts inside NATO.
Moreover, France and the US interact closely on worldwide public health issues such as Ebola and Covid-19.
