Latest news with #French-hosted
Asharq Al-Awsat
25-07-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Lebanese PM Makes Brief Visit to Paris, Secures French Support
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam concluded a short but significant visit to Paris this week, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron for a working lunch focused on Lebanon's internal situation and regional developments. Contrary to earlier reports suggesting that Macron had summoned Salam to the Elysee, diplomatic sources clarified that the visit had been scheduled last month, prior to a cancelled French-hosted summit initially planned for June 17–18. This was the PM's first visit to France since his appointment to his post earlier this year. The discussions touched on Lebanon's political and economic challenges, as well as broader issues including Syria, the war in Gaza, and tensions with Iran. Speaking to a small group of journalists at the Lebanese Embassy in Paris, Salam emphasized that Lebanon remains insulated from regional instability, referencing recent unrest in Syria's Sweida province. He credited local mediation efforts by political and religious figures, notably Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, with helping maintain internal calm. On the future of the UN peacekeeping mission (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon, Salam dismissed fears of its withdrawal amid reports of US and Israeli pressure. While acknowledging concerns over potential US funding cuts to the peacekeeping operations, he said these are unlikely to threaten UNIFIL's presence. Salam affirmed Lebanon's continued need for the force until the Lebanese Army is sufficiently supported, and highlighted France's historical leadership role in shaping UNIFIL's mandate. He also addressed criticism of the armistice monitoring committee - of which France is a member - noting that while its performance may fall short of Lebanese expectations, it remains active as part of a broader Franco-American coordination. Turning to the issue of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, Salam offered an optimistic outlook. He stated that his government had achieved tangible progress in cooperation with the UNHCR and Syrian authorities, aiming for the safe and dignified return of displaced Syrians. According to Salam, over 120,000 refugees have returned since the beginning of the year, and many have been removed from both Lebanese and UNHCR records. He downplayed recent reports of a new influx from Syria, estimating the numbers at no more than 60,000. Salam also revealed that Macron expressed support for Lebanon's reform efforts, including financial reforms. However, he noted that France has not yet set a date for a proposed economic aid conference, pending concrete reform steps. Upon returning to Beirut, Salam thanked France for its continued support for Lebanon's security, sovereignty, and prosperity, and reaffirmed Macron's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties across security, economic, and cultural sectors.
Boston Globe
27-03-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
France's foreign minister is in China to discuss Ukraine and trade issues
France has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine in its struggle against Russian invasion, while Beijing has backed Russia diplomatically and provided an economic lifeline by buying Russian natural resources. Barrot's visit is an opportunity to gauge China's attitude on Ukraine ahead of a major French-hosted meeting on a possible peacekeeping force for the country. Advertisement The talks come as fissures are showing between the U.S. and Europe over support for Ukraine, with Washington increasingly seen as backing Moscow. French President François Macron said Wednesday that a proposed European armed force could be deployed in Ukraine in under an eventual peace deal, and could 'respond' to a Russian attack if Moscow launched one. Macron said Wednesday that a proposed European armed force for possible deployment in Ukraine in tandem with an eventual peace deal could 'respond' to a Russian attack if Moscow launched one. Europe has long complained of unfair Chinese trade practices that it says force European companies to take on Chinese partners, share business practices and result in a major Chinese trade surpluses.
The Hill
27-03-2025
- Business
- The Hill
France's foreign minister is in China to discuss Ukraine and trade issues
BEIJING (AP) — French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot began a two-day visit to China on Thursday during which he is to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart on Ukraine and longstanding trade disputes between China and Europe. Barrot went into a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi shortly before noon, to be followed by a news conference and luncheon. On Friday, he will travel to Shanghai for a series of meetings with local officials and business leaders. France has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine in its struggle against Russian invasion, while Beijing has backed Russia diplomatically and provided an economic lifeline by buying Russian natural resources. Barrot's visit is an opportunity to gauge China's attitude on Ukraine ahead of a major French-hosted meeting on a possible peacekeeping force for the country. The talks come as fissures are showing between the U.S. and Europe over support for Ukraine, with Washington increasingly seen as backing Moscow. French President François Macron said Wednesday that a proposed European armed force could be deployed in Ukraine in under an eventual peace deal, and could 'respond' to a Russian attack if Moscow launched one. Macron said Wednesday that a proposed European armed force for possible deployment in Ukraine in tandem with an eventual peace deal could 'respond' to a Russian attack if Moscow launched one. Europe has long complained of unfair Chinese trade practices that it says force European companies to take on Chinese partners, share business practices and result in a major Chinese trade surpluses.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
France's foreign minister is in China to discuss Ukraine and trade issues
BEIJING (AP) — French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot began a two-day visit to China on Thursday during which he is to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart on Ukraine and longstanding trade disputes between China and Europe. Barrot went into a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi shortly before noon, to be followed by a news conference and luncheon. On Friday, he will travel to Shanghai for a series of meetings with local officials and business leaders. France has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine in its struggle against Russian invasion, while Beijing has backed Russia diplomatically and provided an economic lifeline by buying Russian natural resources. Barrot's visit is an opportunity to gauge China's attitude on Ukraine ahead of a major French-hosted meeting on a possible peacekeeping force for the country. The talks come as fissures are showing between the U.S. and Europe over support for Ukraine, with Washington increasingly seen as backing Moscow. French President François Macron said Wednesday that a proposed European armed force could be deployed in Ukraine in under an eventual peace deal, and could 'respond' to a Russian attack if Moscow launched one. Macron said Wednesday that a proposed European armed force for possible deployment in Ukraine in tandem with an eventual peace deal could 'respond' to a Russian attack if Moscow launched one. Europe has long complained of unfair Chinese trade practices that it says force European companies to take on Chinese partners, share business practices and result in a major Chinese trade surpluses.
The Independent
27-03-2025
- Business
- The Independent
France's foreign minister is in China to discuss Ukraine and trade issues
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot began a two-day visit to China on Thursday during which he is to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart on Ukraine and longstanding trade disputes between China and Europe. Barrot went into a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi shortly before noon, to be followed by a news conference and luncheon. On Friday, he will travel to Shanghai for a series of meetings with local officials and business leaders. France has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine in its struggle against Russian invasion, while Beijing has backed Russia diplomatically and provided an economic lifeline by buying Russian natural resources. Barrot's visit is an opportunity to gauge China's attitude on Ukraine ahead of a major French-hosted meeting on a possible peacekeeping force for the country. The talks come as fissures are showing between the U.S. and Europe over support for Ukraine, with Washington increasingly seen as backing Moscow. French President François Macron said Wednesday that a proposed European armed force could be deployed in Ukraine in under an eventual peace deal, and could 'respond' to a Russian attack if Moscow launched one. Macron said Wednesday that a proposed European armed force for possible deployment in Ukraine in tandem with an eventual peace deal could 'respond' to a Russian attack if Moscow launched one. Europe has long complained of unfair Chinese trade practices that it says force European companies to take on Chinese partners, share business practices and result in a major Chinese trade surpluses.
