Meeting between Catherine Colonna and her Danish counterpart (Jan. 10, 2023)

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna met with Danish Minister for Foreign Affairs Lars Løkke Rasmussen on January 10.

The ministers discussed the latest developments in the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and underscored the need to step up aid to Ukraine in every sphere – humanitarian, civil, financial and military – over the long term. France commended Denmark’s heightened involvement in European security and defense policy, which is helping to make the EU more effective in this critical area.

The ministers also discussed other major international and European current issues, particularly Iran, stressing the importance of increasing pressure against those responsible for the crackdown in that country. They also discussed our cooperation in Africa, particularly in the Sahel and the Gulf of Guinea – topics that will be on the agenda at the next EU Foreign Affairs Council on January 23.

In addition, they emphasized the importance of providing a strong, ambitious European response to the energy, climate and industrial challenges the EU is facing, ahead of February’s European Council meeting.

Lastly, the two ministers agreed to continue stepping up discussions between France and Denmark on economic affairs, in light of the new bilateral tax treaty that is in the process of ratification in both countries.

Burkina Faso – Visit by Chrysoula Zacharopoulou (Jan. 10, 2022)

Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, Minister of State for Development, Francophonie and International Partnerships, arrived in Burkina Faso today.

She met this morning with interim President Ibrahim Traoré. They discussed the partnership between France and Burkina Faso in the areas of development and humanitarian aid, as well as security.

The minister emphasized that France is a reliable partner that works closely with Burkina Faso while maintaining total respect for that country’s sovereignty.

This evening she will meet with the French community, whose safety remains our priority.

Iran

What is France’s position on the possible designation of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist group?

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its Quds Force have already been the target of several European sanctions since 2010 due to their involvement in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

In addition, last October the EU imposed sanctions on a number of IRGC leaders for their role in the brutal crackdown against protesters in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini.

France is committed to preventing impunity for those responsible for the crackdown in Iran. As this crackdown is still ongoing, France is working with its European partners on new sanctions measures, without ruling anything out ahead of time.