The heads of departments agreed on the need for joint US-European efforts “to counter Russian aggression.”
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian discussed some topics at a meeting in Washington, including Russia, China, the Iranian nuclear deal, as well as the situation in Haiti. This was reported on Thursday by the press service of the State Department.
“They reviewed the tools available to support democratic governance, peace, and security in Haiti after the shocking assassination of President [Haiti Jovenel] Moise. In addition, they agreed on the need for joint US-European efforts to counter Russian aggression, as well as human rights violations, forced trade practices, and the aggressive foreign policy of the PRC. They also reviewed the ongoing efforts to return to mutual compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian Nuclear Program,” the report said. The meeting took place on Wednesday.
Among other topics touched upon by the foreign ministers of the two countries is the “reconfiguration of the French forces in the Sahel,” the situation in Lebanon. In addition, the parties “agreed to form a bilateral partnership on clean energy,” discussed the fight against climate change and the development of cooperation between the United States and France in the space industry. “The Secretary of State invited France to join the United States in applying the long-standing principles of the peaceful use of outer space to promote safe and responsible space exploration activities on the Moon and Mars through the Artemis Agreements, “the press service of the State Department added.
Blinken also congratulated Le Drian on the French National Holiday and the unveiling of a replica of the Statue of Liberty at the French Embassy in Washington.
