Washington DC, 10 March 2023 (TDI): The United States (US) Secretary of State, Antony Blinken recently spoke with the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Catherine Colonna via a phone call.
The purpose was to reaffirm their commitment to supporting Ukraine and promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
During their conversation, the US Secretary and Minister of France discussed the importance of close cooperation between the US and France in support of Ukraine.
Likewise, they emphasized the need for continued efforts to uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of ongoing aggression from Russia.
The two officials also highlighted their shared objectives of promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
The importance of working together to address common challenges such as climate change, maritime security, and economic development was also brought to the fore.
US Secretary expressed his appreciation for France’s leadership in the Indo-Pacific, including its efforts to promote regional cooperation and uphold international norms and standards.
Thus, the conversation between US Secretary and French Minister underscores the strong and enduring partnership between the US and France.
Both officials expressed their determination to continue working together to promote a safer, more prosperous world for all.
Role of France in the Indo-Pacific region
To mention, France is an active player in the Indo-Pacific region, committed to promoting regional order and stability. To this end, France has increased its diplomatic outreach, military cooperation, and economic ties throughout the region.
France is a founding member of the Indian Ocean Commission and participates in various multilateral dialogues such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).
Also, France is investing in regional infrastructure development, such as the French-funded undersea electricity cable linking Mauritius and Reunion Island.
France is a major economic partner for many countries in the Indo-Pacific region and provides investment, trade, and technology transfer. Additionally, France is engaged in supporting sustainable seafood production and maritime surveillance training.
In terms of security, the US and France are both members of NATO and have worked closely together on counterterrorism, intelligence-sharing, and military operations in various parts of the world.
Furthermore, the two countries have also collaborated on efforts to promote stability and democracy in Africa and to address security challenges in the Middle East and elsewhere.
Overall, the US and France have a strong and multifaceted relationship that reflects shared interests, values, and priorities. Finally, both countries will likely continue to work closely together on a range of global challenges in the years ahead.
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