Iran – Ballistic missile test (May 25, 2023)

Today, Iran announced that it had test-launched a ballistic missile with a stated 2,000-km range. France condemns this new violation of UN Security Council resolution 2231, which was adopted in 2015.

These activities are all the more troubling given the continued escalation of the Iranian nuclear program.

African Union – Africa Day and the African Union’s 60^th anniversary (May 25, 2023)

Today, Africa Day, France congratulates the African Union on the 60^th anniversary of the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity, the African Union’s predecessor.

France fully supports the AU-supported African integration efforts as well as the African Union’s contributions to peace and security on the continent and throughout the world. France commends the organization on its efforts to find African solutions for African crises.

France is committed to the AU-EU partnership, which was renewed during the summit in Brussels on February 17 and 18, 2022, during the French presidency of the Council of the European Union. The European Union is the African Union’s leading partner. The EU invests primarily in healthcare, food security and infrastructure. The EU also supports African defense and security capabilities through the European Peace Facility.

At the national level, France offers the African integration efforts its firm support, in particular by providing technical expertise.

Additionally, France advocates for greater participation in global governance for Africa, primarily by means of UN Security Council reforms and G20 membership for the African Union.