The Daily Press Briefing

Statements made by
the Ministry for Europe
and Foreign Affairs
Spokesperson


Paris - April 5, 2018
In this issue:

◢  Turkey – Meetings held by Jean-Yves Le Drian and Nathalie Loiseau with Turkish Minister of European Affairs Omer Celik (Paris - April 5, 2018)

◢  Poland – Meeting between Jean-Yves Le Drian and Jacek Czaputowicz (Paris - April 5, 2018)

◢  Croatia – Visit by Nathalie Loiseau (Zagreb - April 5-6, 2018)

 
Turkey – Meetings held by Jean-Yves Le Drian and Nathalie Loiseau with Turkish Minister of European Affairs Omer Celik (Paris - April 5, 2018)

Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs and Nathalie Loiseau, Minister for European Affairs, held meetings with Turkish Minister of European Affairs Omer Celik. This visit is part of France's constructive and demanding dialogue with Turkey based on regular exchanges at all levels.

The discussions notably focused on relations between the EU and Turkey. As reaffirmed by President Macron during President Erdogan's visit to France on January 5, France believes that Turkey, which is an essential partner, should remain firmly anchored in Europe.

The recent escalation of tensions with Cyprus and Greece were also discussed; the French ministers reaffirmed that the peaceful relations that the EU needs with Turkey require the re-establishment of a positive and respectful dialogue with all member states, based on international law. Tensions should also be eased in order to allow the resumption of inter-Cypriot negotiations.

The human rights situation in Turkey was discussed during these meetings. As President Macron underscored on January 5, France is closely monitoring with concern developments with respect to the rule of law and the judicial proceedings that have been launched, notably against academics at the French-Turkish university, Galatasaray University. The French ministers again called for the strengthening of dialogue with the Council of Europe.

With respect to Syria, there is ongoing dialogue in order to make progress toward a political solution and coordinate our efforts in the fight against Daesh, which remains an absolute priority for our national security. In this context, the ministers reaffirmed the French authorities' concern regarding the Turkish military operations in the Afrin region. They underscored that our common priority must remain the complete eradication of Daesh.



Poland – Meeting between Jean-Yves Le Drian and Jacek Czaputowicz (Paris - April 5, 2018)

Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, received his Polish counterpart, Jacek Czaputowicz, on April 5.

This first constructive meeting focused primarily on bilateral relations. The ministers agreed to initiate work aimed at renewing our strategic partnership's cooperation program.

They also discussed European issues, including in particular the work initiated on the future of the EU, the next Multiannual Financial Framework and the rule of law situation. In this respect, Jean-Yves Le Drian reaffirmed our expectation that the dialogue initiated between Poland and the Commission should achieve tangible results.

The minister welcomed the hosting of COP24 in Katowice in December which will be an important step toward the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement. Mr. Le Drian also expressed our commitment to good cooperation within the UN Security Council, of which Poland is a non-permanent member until the end of 2019 and the presidency of which it will assume in May.



Croatia – Visit by Nathalie Loiseau (Zagreb - April 5-6, 2018)

Nathalie Loiseau will be in Zagreb on April 5 and 6. The European affairs minister will meet with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Marija Pejčinović-Burić, and State Secretary for European Affairs Andreja Metelko-Zgombić.

With Croatia holding the EU Council presidency in the first half of 2020, Ms. Loiseau and her Croatian interlocutors will discuss the work to be done on rebuilding the Union, Brexit, the next multiannual financial framework, and the challenges of illegal migration. They will also work on preparations for the next EU-Balkan summit.

Ms. Loiseau will lead a citizen consultation on Europe with her counterpart, Marija Pejčinović-Burić, on April 6 at the University of Zagreb.

This visit will also provide an opportunity to sign the 2018-2021 action plan of the strategic partnership between our two countries. This document helps guide our excellent bilateral relationship. In 2017, our trade with Croatia—up for the third consecutive year—reached €735 million. Nearly 500,000 French tourists travel to Croatia each year.


France in the
United States
Embassy of France in Washington, D.C.
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