The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs spoke today with his Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba.

The two ministers reviewed the status of talks between Ukraine and Russia to end the conflict sparked by Russia on February 24. The Minister expressed his full support for the Ukrainian authorities in this context and underscored our strong demands with regard to the rapid establishment of a full ceasefire and total respect for Ukraine's sovereignty and security. France's full support for Ukraine in all its forms and the strategy of economic pressure on Russia will continue and be expanded as long as Russia's war of aggression continues. The minister also discussed with his counterpart the drastic humanitarian situation in cities indiscriminately targeted by Russian forces, and particularly Mariupol, and pointed to the assistance that France has provided to the Ukrainian people.

The two ministers agreed to remain in close contact in the coming days.

Iraq – First step toward the opening of a French Consulate General in Mosul (March 31, 2022)

During his visit to Iraq in late August 2021, President Macron announced the upcoming opening of a French Consulate General that would serve Mosul and its region. In agreement with the Iraqi authorities, a significant step has just been taken with the establishment of a legal framework providing for the opening of that new Consulate.

Beginning in June 2022, the Consulate's staff, which will initially be based in Baghdad, will make regular trips to Mosul before moving there permanently in 2023.

The upcoming return of a French Consulate General to Mosul is an important milestone in our historic and strategic partnership with Iraq. It reflects our commitment to Mosul, which has had a continuous French presence for several centuries, particularly via a Consulate that stood from 1828 to 1956, and by our mobilization alongside Iraqi armed forces to liberate the city from Daesh in 2017.

Under the authority of the French Ambassador to Iraq, the Consulate General will directly coordinate France's efforts on the ground in the areas of humanitarian assistance and stabilization, culture, education and research. It will also work to strengthen our economic and trade relations and ties with civil society in the governorate of Nineveh.