Indonesia – Meeting of Foreign and Defense Ministers in the 2+2 format (July 21, 2023)

On July 21, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna and Minister for the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu, will meet with their Indonesian counterparts, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, for the first edition of French-Indonesian political and military consultations at the ministerial level in the 2+2 format.

The format of this meeting, which our two countries reserve for trusted partners, reflects the large scope of our shared ambitions. These talks will enable us to continue strengthening our bilateral cooperation on security and defense, in line with the strategic partnership formed in 2011 and our 2022-2027 action plan.

The ministers will discuss expanding our bilateral defense relationship through operational interactions as well as technological and industrial partnerships, and strengthening the legal framework for this cooperation. With regard to security, they will also address expanded cooperation on maritime affairs, the management of humanitarian and natural disasters, cyber security, and the fight against transnational crime.

The ministers will also talk about bilateral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, particularly within ASEAN – Indonesia holds the organization’s presidency this year – but also in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific.

They will also speak about the rise in international tensions in connection with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

Prior to these 2+2 consultations, Ms. Colonna will meet with her Indonesian counterpart to discuss deepening the political, economic and cultural aspects of our bilateral relationship.

Palestinian Territories – Conversation between Catherine Colonna and her Palestinian counterpart (July 19, 2023)

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna spoke by phone with Riyadh al-Maliki, the Palestinian Authority’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, on July 19.

As she did with her Israeli counterpart, Eli Cohen, the Minister shared France’s deep concern over worsening tensions in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. She stressed the importance of ending all unilateral measures liable to fuel tensions and underscored the need to end the settlement policy, which is contrary to international law and undermines prospects for peace. The Minister reiterated our strong condemnation of all attacks against civilians, whether Israeli or Palestinian.

She also reiterated the urgent need to work to reestablish a political framework for settling the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the only viable solution: the two-state solution, with both states living side by side in peace and security. She underscored France’s readiness to contribute to that goal.

Fifteenth anniversary of the Union for the Mediterranean (July 20, 2023)

On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), established in Paris in July 2008, France reaffirms its full support for the work of this intergovernmental organization that supports political dialogue and cooperation in the Euro-Mediterranean region.

Through its mandate, its promotion of unifying regional projects and its ability to bring people together and create spaces for political dialogue, the UfM has become a vital force for cooperation in the Mediterranean. The UfM shapes and supports the development of regional partnerships around five key priorities for the future of the Mediterranean, defined in 2021: the environment and the climate; sustainable and inclusive economic and human development; social inclusion and equality; the digital transformation; and emergency preparedness.

France is actively involved in forums promoting Euro-Mediterranean dialogue and cooperation, and is particularly committed to the UfM, which is the sole regional multilateral forum that brings together all the EU countries and the countries of the Mediterranean. We are in fact the leading bilateral contributor to the UfM in terms of voluntary contributions to the overall budget and providing personnel.

This anniversary represents a unique opportunity to step up the UfM’s efforts in response to major Euro-Mediterranean challenges. For this anniversary year, the UfM is studying ways to improve its format and effectiveness, particularly with regard to supporting key projects in the Mediterranean region. France fully supports this reform process and shares the goal of strengthening the UfM’s capacity.

To learn more about France’s Mediterranean policy, visit https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files/regional-strategies/france-s-mediterranean-policy/