This evening at the Quai d'Orsay, I will receive Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German Minister of Foreign Affairs, Philip Hammond, British Foreign Secretary, and Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

A few days ahead of the ministerial week at the United Nations General Assembly, this meeting will notably provide an opportunity to discuss the Syrian crisis and its implications for the EU, which is experiencing an unprecedented influx of refugees.

The only way to put an end to the Syrian conflict is through the implementation of a political transition, involving elements of the regime and the moderate opposition, in accordance with the Geneva Communiqué. Bashar al-Assad cannot represent the future of a people and a country that he has persecuted. Combating terrorism is essential and France is resolutely committed to doing so. We must work toward providing civilians in Syria with the necessary protection in order to address the refugee crisis.

The discussions will also focus on the efforts under way to reach a solution in Libya as well as on the need for the international community to mobilize its efforts in support of relaunching the Middle East peace process.

Saudi Arabia – Deadly stampede in Mecca (September 24, 2015

We were shocked to learn of the toll exacted by the stampede today in Mina (Mecca), which has left more than 300 people dead and hundreds of others injured.

France extends its condolences to the victims’ families.

At this painful time, we assure King Salman, and the Saudi authorities and people, of our solidarity. Our thoughts are also with all the countries and families affected by this tragedy.

Our embassy in Riyadh and Consulate General in Jeddah are mobilized, in close cooperation with the Saudi authorities, to help our compatriots if necessary. To that end, our consular officials have travelled to the area.

General information on the pilgrimage can be found here:

http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/arabie-saoudite/la-france-et-l-arabie-saoudite/pelerinage-a-la-mecque/

Yemen – Attacks in Sana (September 24, 2015)

France condemns the attacks carried out against a mosque where the faithful were gathered for prayers for the Eid al-Adha holiday in Sana, which killed 25 people.

We extend our condolences to the victims’ families.

France reaffirms its support for the legitimate authorities and the people of Yemen in the fight against terrorism. It calls on all parties to reject all forms of violence.

We reaffirm our support for the efforts of UN Special Envoy for Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, and call on the parties to help find a political solution. In particular, it is imperative that humanitarian assistance be swiftly transported to the country and delivered to the population.

Burkina Faso – Resumption of the transition (September 23, 2015)

France welcomes the reinstatement on September 23 of President Michel Kafando and the authorities of Burkina Faso. It calls for the resumption of the transition process and in particular for preparations for the upcoming elections.

It pays tribute to the Burkina Faso actors who contributed to the return of the legitimate authorities and expresses confidence in their ability to resolve the outstanding issues, with the support of the regional organizations.

We call on the international community to continue to assist and support the democratic transition in Burkina Faso.

France extends its condolences to the victims’ families and wishes the injured a speedy recovery.

Colombia – Agreement between the Colombian government and the FARC on justice and reparations for the victims (September 23, 2015)

France welcomes the agreement on justice and reparations for the victims reached on September 23 in Havana between the Colombian president and the leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

This is a key step toward reaching a comprehensive peace deal, after more than 50 years of conflict that has resulted in thousands of victims and millions of displaced persons.

France actively supports the peace process initiated by President Santos in November 2012 in Havana with the support of Cuba and Norway. We call on the parties to ensure that the last round of negotiations, the official and final cessation of hostilities, can be swiftly concluded.

Economic diplomacy – Stéphane Le Foll and Matthias Fekl welcome the resumption of beef exports to South Africa (September 23)

Stéphane Le Foll, Minister of Agriculture, Agrifood and Forestry, Government Spokesperson, and Matthias Fekl, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, the Promotion of Tourism and French Nationals Abroad, welcome the announcement by South Africa that it will lift the embargo on French boneless beef and offal, after 5 years of negotiations.

At the same time, negotiations are continuing in order to allow the South African market for bone-in beef to be reopened as swiftly as possible.

This announcement by the South African government, which follows that of the Vietnamese government on September 2, and that of the Singapore authorities on August 13 regarding the lifting of their embargo on exports of French beef, is very good news and strengthens the government’s efforts to implement the international component of the program to support the French livestock sector.

Tourism – Election of France to the Executive Council of the World Tourism Organization (September 17, 2015)

At the 21st World Tourism Organization General Assembly, which took place in Medellin in Colombia from September 12 to 17, France was elected by a large majority to the Executive Council of this organization, of which it is a founding member.

This specialized agency of the United Nations, which was established in 1975, is the main international organization in the field of tourism. The World Tourism Organization is a reference point for the compilation of global statistics. Its action helps advance thinking in areas such as the legal protection of tourism consumers and the promotion of responsible, sustainable tourism that is accessible to everyone. It enables the countries involved in the organization to promote their expertise.