Tag: Emmanuel Macron

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Macron speaks to Netanyahu; affirms support for Israel

Macron held talks with Netanyahu and Herzog after a barrage of rockets slammed into southern and central Israel on Saturday morning following Hamas’ surprise attack….reports Asian Lite News

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday held talks with Israeli counterpart Isaac Herzog and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He condemned the attack carried out on Israel and affirmed France’s support for the country.

Macron held talks with Netanyahu and Herzog after a barrage of rockets slammed into southern and central Israel on Saturday morning following Hamas’ surprise attack.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Macron stated, “I have spoken to President Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu. I condemn the attacks carried out from Gaza on Israel, its soldiers and its people. France stands in solidarity with Israel and the Israelis, committed to their security and their right to defend themselves.”

In a post shared on X, Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office stated, “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke earlier today with French President Emmanuel Macron and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Both leaders expressed full support for Israel’s right to defend itself.”

Earlier in the day, Macron condemned the terrorist attacks against Israel. In a post shared on X, Macron stated, “I strongly condemn the current terrorist attacks against Israel. I express my full solidarity with the victims, their families and loved ones.”

Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary called Hamas “terrorists” and asserted that there is no other word to describe the brutality of terrorist attacks targeting civilians.

In a post shared on X, Cleverly stated, “Hamas are not “fighters”. Hamas are not “militants”. Hamas are terrorists. There is no other word to describe the brutality of firing rockets or terrorist attacks targeting civilians.”

According to the latest developments, more than 100 people have been killed in the Hamas “terror attack” on Israel, according to medical officials, The Times of Israel reported citing Hebrew-language media.

According to the Health Ministry, 908 injured people have been taken to hospital for treatment in the ongoing terror attack by Hamas on Israel’s southern and central region, The Times of Israel reported.

Some 800 people have been injured in the attacks, which have included dozens of Hamas terrorists infiltrating Israel and gunning down soldiers and people. Others were injured in rocket attacks.

In a statement posted on X, Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated, “At least 100 Israelis murdered and more than 900 wounded in terror attacks by Hamas terrorists.”

While sharing the post on X, Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated, “The fighting in southern Israel is still ongoing. Our security forces are securing areas which are under attack by Hamas terrorists who infiltrated Israeli communities and who have taken civilians captive.” (ANI)

ALSO READ: India Stands in Solidarity With Israel: PM Modi

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G20: Macron To Seek Unity Amid World Division

The French Embassy said the G20 Summit will allow Macron to maintain the constant dialogue with his counterparts from all continents in order to fight against the risks of partitioning of the world…reports Asian Lite News

French President Emmanuel Macron will address the issue of “partitioning of the world” at the upcoming G-20 summit to be held on September 9-10 and will emphasize strengthening French involvement in the Indo-Pacific region during his visit to Dhaka on September 10, according to the French government’s announcement on September 4.

Since his historic visit to Colombo in July, President Macron has been broadening the scope of French relations with South Asia, and his upcoming visits to India and Bangladesh underscore the growing focus on the Indo-Pacific region, where French historical presence dates back to the colonial era.

A press release from the French embassy in Dhaka stated, “The President of the French Republic will attend the G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9 and 10. He will then proceed to Dhaka, Bangladesh, on September 10 for a bilateral visit. The G20 Summit will allow the President of the French Republic to maintain the constant dialogue with his counterparts from all continents in order to fight against the risks of partitioning of the world… In Bangladesh, the President will continue the concrete declination of the French strategy in the Indo-Pacific.”

President Macron’s recent visit to Sri Lanka in late July included a historic stopover where he met with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Before that, he toured Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu in the western Pacific region, focusing on the debt issues faced by these economies. While not explicitly singling out China, he criticized trends of “neo-imperialism” targeting Pacific island nations. In Colombo, Macron assured Wickremesinghe of support in restructuring Sri Lanka’s debt burden.

The upcoming visit to India for the G-20 summit and the brief stay in Bangladesh represent a different category of engagement, as India has been a strategic partner of France for a quarter of a century, and Dhaka holds financial and strategic appeal for Paris. Additionally, the Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh has improved ties with France since President Francois Mitterrand’s visit to Dhaka in 1990, when France proposed a flood-prevention mechanism for Bangladesh.

The French embassy’s remarks released on Monday indicated that some of these longstanding discussions may be revisited during President Macron’s visit to Dhaka, stating, “Given that the country is particularly vulnerable to climate change, the President will reiterate France’s commitment to stand by Bangladesh on its humanitarian front, particularly in the face of recurring floods.”

ALSO READ: Biden disappointed Over Xi Jinping’s ‘Unexpected’ G20 No-Show

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Macron vows strong support to Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring

Macron arrived in Colombo on Friday following which he held talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe, reports Susitha Fernando

Emmanuel Macron, the first French President to visit Sri Lanka, has promised robust backing for the ongoing efforts of the island nation to restructure its debt, thereby aiding its recovery from the most severe economic downturn it has ever faced.

As part of his wider visit to the South Pacific Region, Macron arrived in Colombo on Friday following which he held talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe.

“President Macron reaffirmed France’s willingness and commitment to supporting Sri Lanka in its economic recovery. As the fourth-largest creditor to Sri Lanka, France pledged its assistance in the debt restructuring process, aiming for a positive outcome for the country,” the President’s Media Division (PMD) said in a statement.

In a Twitter post following the discussions, the French leader said: “Sri Lanka and France are two nations in Indian Ocean sharing the same goal: an open, inclusive and prosper indo-pacific. In Colombo we confirmed it: strong as in our 75 years of diplomatic relations, we would open a new era to our partnership,”.

During the discussion between the two leaders which lasted about an hour, Wickremesinghe expressed admiration for France’s significant role in global affairs, particularly in areas such as climate mitigation, global debt restructuring, and matters related to the Indo-Pacific region.

The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in various sectors, including politics, economics, tourism, climate change, sustainable development, and maritime activities.

Marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, several specific areas for further collaboration were identified which included the establishment of a school for maritime safety and security; opening of a permanent office for the French Agency for Development (AFD) in Sri Lanka; initiation of high-level diplomatic dialogues;cooperation in the education sector; and the enhancement of efforts to combat human trafficking in the maritime safety and security sector, the PMD added.

“Additionally, both leaders exchanged views on topics of regional and multilateral interest in the current global context. President Macron expressed keen interest in collaborating with Sri Lanka during its upcoming chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), of which France is a member. In turn, President Wickremesinghe showed interest in the Indian Ocean Commission, where France actively participates,” it added.

In April, France together with the two other creditors of Sri Lanka — India and Japan — took the initiative to launch the debt restructuring negotiation process.

In May 17, countries, including the Paris Club Creditors, co-chaired by India, Japan and France, formed an official creditor committee which included the to discuss Sri Lanka’s request for a debt treatment.

The French delegation accompanying President Macron included the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna,  Ambassador of France in Sri Lanka and Maldives Jean-Francoise Pactet and Head of Asia Department of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Benoit Guidee.

ALSO READ: Lankan envoy thanks Modi for financial aid during crisis

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Indian contingent adds spectacle to Bastille Day Parade

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended Bastille Day Parade as Guest of Honour at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron on the Champs-Élysées.

“To mark the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership, 241-member tri-service Indian armed forces contingent led by a military band also participated in the Parade,” the PMO said in a statement.

The Indian Army contingent was led by the Punjab Regiment, along with the Rajputana Rifles Regiment.

During the parade, the Indian military contingent marched to the patriotic tune of ‘Sare Jahan Se Accha,’ while a squadron of Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale fighters participated in a flypast over the Champs-Elysees at the Bastille Day Parade.

Rafale Jets of the Indian Air Force, from the 101 Squadron from Hashimara, formed a part of the fly past during the parade.

“A giant in world history, with a decisive role to play in the future, a strategic partner, a friend. We are proud to welcome India as our guest of honour at the 14 July parade,” President Macron said.

PM Modi and President Emmanuel Macron met notable dignitaries during the Bastille Day Parade in Paris.

Mentioning the marching of Indian soldiers and flying of Rafale aircraft alongside the French troops during the Bastille Day Parade celebrations, Macron said that France honours the memory of those who fought with the French in the First World War.

“This 14 July, soldiers and Rafale aircraft from India are marching and flying alongside our troops. We honour the memory of those who fought with the French in the First World War. We shall never forget,” tweeted Macron.

It is worth mentioning that the association of the Indian and the French Armies dates back to World War I. Over 1.3 million Indian soldiers participated in the war and almost 74,000 of them fought in the muddy trenches to never return again, while another 67,000 were wounded. Indian troops valiantly fought on French soil also, the Defence Ministry said earlier.

Many Indians like Welinkar, Shivdev Singh, HC Dewan and Jumbo Majumdar fought over the skies of France during the two World Wars. Some, like Jumbo Majumdar, were also decorated for their gallant action, over the Falaise Gap, during the terminal phase of World War II, added the official statement.

The Bastille Day Parade, which PM Modi attended as the Guest of Honour with Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron, has concluded in Paris.

French President Emmanuel Macron received the guard of honour at Bastille Day Parade.

July 14 marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789, during the French Revolution, which symbolizes the democratic values of ‘Liberty, Equality and Fraternity’, the central theme of both the Indian and French constitutions.

PM Modi and President Emmanuel Macron witnessed the Indian tri-services contingent flew over the Bastille Day Parade in Paris, showcasing the French national flag.

They also saw French and Indian soldiers march along Paris’s tree-lined Champs-Elysees avenue, as Rafale fighter planes purchased by India in 2015 flew above the Arc de Triomphe.

“It reminds us of the valour & courage of the Indian soldiers on the French soil during the World Wars,” the Indian Army tweeted.

IAF’s Rafale jets flypast was showcased during the parade. Later, PM Modi attended the lunch hosted by the President of French National Assembly, Yael Braun-Pivet.

PM Narendra Modi has become the first Indian Prime Minister to have been conferred with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest civilian and military honour, by French President Emmanuel Macron.

PM Modi has joined the ranks of other prominent world leaders including former president of South Africa Nelson Mandela, King Charles – the then Prince of Wales, former Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel, Boutros Boutros-Ghali, former Secretary General of the United Nations, among others.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted that India and France cooperate and coordinate much more closely in international forums, as the two nations together launched the International Solar Alliance, and are working together on initiatives on biodiversity, elimination of single use plastic, disaster resilient infrastructure and conserving ocean resources.

“Our cooperation has become especially strong in the United Nations, whether it is in reforming the UN institutions, fighting climate change or combating terrorism. Most recently, we worked closely on President Macron’s New Global Financing Pact Summit. We are both leaders in the initiative on No Money for Terror Financing,” he said.

India gave an initial nod to buy 26 Rafale aircraft for its navy and three Scorpene class submarines, strengthening defence ties with Paris.

France has been India’s one of closest partners in Europe for decades. President Macron will also host PM Modi at the Elysee Palace for dialogue prior to a state banquet at the Louvre Museum.

It is noteworthy that Macron has treated only a few global leaders to the Bastille Day military parade. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Indians pursuing Masters in France to get 5-year work visa

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Israel not bound by Iran nuke deal, Lapid tells Macron

Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid

Lapid warned that Tehran was presenting a “take it or leave it” offer that included “new elements that go beyond the limits of the original Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)”…reports Asian Lite News

Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid told French President Emmanuel Macron that his country objects to a return to the Iran nuclear deal and would not be bound by it.

“The Prime Minister made clear to the President that Israel opposes a return to the deal and would not be obligated by such an agreement,” the PM’s office said on Monday in a statement, adding that the country “will continue to do everything to prevent Iran from attaining a nuclear capability”.

The two leaders discussed the Iranian nuclear issue over the phone “at length,” the office noted.

Lapid warned that Tehran was presenting a “take it or leave it” offer that included “new elements that go beyond the limits of the original Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)”.

JCPOA refers to the nuclear deal signed between Iran and world powers in July 2015, in which Iran agreed to curb its nuclear programme in return for the removal of sanctions, Xinhua news agency reported.

For his part, Macron emphasised “his commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon,” according to the Israeli statement.

The talk came as negotiators in Vienna were reportedly close to an agreement on the revival of the 2015 nuclear agreement.

Israel opposes the former nuclear deal as well as the emerging agreement, charging it will not prevent Iran from attempting to obtain nuclear weapons without the burden of the sanctions.

Tehran maintains its nuclear programme is peaceful.

ALSO READ: Commemorating 30 years of Israel, India diplomatic relations

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Putin warns Germany, France against pumping Ukraine with weapons

Russian President Vladimir Putin (Twitter@KremlinRussia_E)

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned his European colleagues that pumping Ukraine with Western weapons carries the risks of destabilization, reports Asian Lite News

Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a conversation with French and German leaders Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz, pointed out the danger of pumping Ukraine with Western weapons. He warned European colleagues that this carries the risks of destabilization.

“The Russian President also sharpened the issue of the dangerous nature of the ongoing pumping of Ukraine with Western weapons, warning in this regard of the risks of further destabilization of the situation and aggravation of the humanitarian crisis,” the Kremlin’s press service said, RT reported.

Putin also announced Moscow’s readiness to facilitate the search for options for the unhindered export of grain.

It is noted that the Russian leader explained the reasons for the difficulties with food supplies, which were the result of the erroneous economic policy of Western countries.

“For its part, Russia is ready to help find options for the unhindered export of grain, including the export of Ukrainian grain from the Black Sea ports,” the Kremlin said.

Earlier, Putin, in a conversation with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, noted that Russia is ready to help overcome the food crisis through the export of grain and fertilizers, but for this it is necessary to remove politically motivated restrictions imposed by Western countries.

ALSO READ: Trump urges Biden admin to prioritise school security funding over Ukraine aid

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UAE leaders congratulate Macron on re-election

UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan congratulated Emmanuel Macron for winning the French presidential election with 58.8 per cent of the votes on Sunday…reports Asian Lite News

Sheikh Khalifa wished the French President continued success in achieving more progress and prosperity for the people of France, stressing the UAE’s keenness to continue developing relations between the two countries in various fields for the common good and interest of their peoples.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, sent similar messages of congratulations to Macron.

Meanwhile, world leader congratulated Macron on his victory.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated Macron and expressed readiness for cooperation on deepening bilateral ties between the two countries.

French president Emmanuel Macron

“Congratulations to my friend @EmmanuelMacron on being re-elected as the President of France! I look forward to continue working together to deepen the India-France Strategic Partnership,” tweeted PM Modi.

In a congratulatory message, European Council President Charles Michel said, “We can count on France for five more years.”

Taking to Twitter, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz shared a photo with Macron and said, “I am happy that we will continue our good cooperation.”

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson called France “one of our closest and most important allies”.

“Congratulations to @EmmanuelMacron on your re-election as President of France. France is one of our closest and most important allies. I look forward to continuing to work together on the issues which matter most to our two countries and to the world,” Johnson tweeted.

ALSO READ: Re-elected Macron vows to be ‘President of all’

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was “looking forward to continuing our work together on the issues that matter most to people in Canada and France — from defending democracy, to fighting climate change, to creating good jobs and economic growth for the middle class”.

Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that the citizens have chosen a France committed to a “free, strong and fair EU”.

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he looked forward to continuing the “important partnership” between France and WHO for a “healthier, safer and fairer world”.

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Macron, Biden discuss ‘diplomatic and deterrence efforts’

US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron (Credit twitter @POTUS)

Biden and Macron agreed that the two sides will stay in close touch, including in consultation with EU partners and Ukraine….reports Asian Lite News

US President Joe Biden has discussed the Ukraine situation with French President Emmanuel Macron over the phone, ahead of the latter’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the White House informs.

“President Joe Biden spoke today with President Emmanuel Macron of France. The leaders discussed ongoing diplomatic and deterrence efforts in response to Russia’s continued military build-up on Ukraine’s borders, and affirmed their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the White House said in a Sunday statement.

According to the release, Biden and Macron agreed that the two sides will stay in close touch, including in consultation with EU partners and Ukraine. Macron will meet with Putin in Moscow on Monday. According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the two leaders are expected to discuss European security, bilateral relations and the Ukraine situation.

On Wednesday, Biden and Macron held a telephone call discussing Ukraine, following the Pentagon’s announcement regarding the deployment of additional US forces to Poland, Germany, and Romania in the next few days. US officials said the deployment is designed to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank amid the Ukraine crisis.

In the past few months, the West and Ukraine have accused Russia of a troop build-up near the Ukrainian border in alleged preparation for an “invasion.” Moscow has denied these accusations, repeatedly stating that it is not threatening anyone and at the same time expressing strong concerns over NATO’s military activity near the Russian borders, which it deems a threat to its national security.

Moscow has also said Russia has the right to move troops within its national territory.

Russia has also warned Western countries that military deliveries to Kiev may encourage the latter to use them against the breakaway Russian-speaking region of Donbas. The United States has been in the process of delivering USD 200 million worth of security assistance approved by President Joe Biden in December. (ANI/Sputnik)

ALSO READ: Ukraine standoff: More US troops in Eastern Europe
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Algerian, French President talks after months of diplomatic tension

Algerian, French President talks after months of diplomatic tension

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune held phone talks with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron after months of diplomatic tension…reports Asian Lite News

According to a statement issued by the Algerian presidency, the two sides “discussed bilateral cooperation and the prospects of convening the higher intergovernmental committee” which had been scheduled for last April, but was postponed due to the mounting diplomatic tension between the two sides, reports Xinhua news agency.

According to the statement, the French president Penewed the invitation for his Algerian counterpart to attend the sixth European Union – African Union summit, which will be held in Brussels on February 17 and 18.

French President Emmanuel Macron

The French-Algerian ties have been characterized by diplomatic riffs in recent months since Algeria recalled its Ambassador to France and closed its airspace to French military planes in October 2021.

ALSO READ: Egypt, Algerian Presidents discuss bilateral ties, regional developments

The move was a response to a French decision in September 2021 to reduce the number of visas provided to Algerian officials by 50 per cent as well Macron’s critical remarks on Algeria.

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Macron ‘Optimistic’ For 2022

French President Emmanuel Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron has said that he is “resolutely optimistic for the coming year” for France, despite the upcoming few difficult weeks amid Covid-19 cases resurgence.

Speaking from the Elysee to the nation for New Year, Macron on Friday stressed the importance of vaccination against coronavirus.

“Vaccination is our most secure asset. It divides the number of severe forms by ten,” he added.

He urged the 5 million non-vaccinated French citizens to get vaccinated for themselves, for their compatriots and for their country.

The President also called on people, vaccinated or not, to continue to respect barrier gestures to curb the rapid spread of the virus, Xinhua news agency reported.

Acknowledging the essential role of health staff during the pandemic for the past two years, Macron said he is “optimistic” about a possible end of the pandemic in 2022.

Recalling 2021, the President said the government has introduced during the crisis various initiatives to protect spending power, as well as new projects for the young generation, environmental crisis, housing crisis etc.

Macron said 2022 will be a year of a European turning point as France is going to hold the presidency of the European Union.

He continued to say that 2022 will also be a decisive year for France.

“I will act until the last moment of the mandate for which you elected me,” said Macron. The Presidential election in France is scheduled for April 2022.

ALSO READ: France reveals EU presidency agenda