Supporting Ukraine and Addressing Israel-Hamas Conflict
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Tuesday to discuss supporting Ukraine in its war with Russia and addressing the Israel-Hamas conflict. France, a major military supplier to Ukraine, has been aiding the country in overcoming critical shortages of arms and troops to fend off Russian attacks.
US Aid Package for Ukraine
Despite being a key military backer for Ukraine, a $60-billion aid package from the United States has been stalled in Congress, adding to the urgency of the situation.
Advocacy for Ceasefire
Paris has been advocating for a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, with the United States recently endorsing a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire during the month of Ramadan.
Discussion on International Crises
During the meeting, Blinken and Macron will address the mounting international crises, including the situations in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Sudan. They will also discuss preparations for the upcoming NATO summit in Washington in July.
Financial and Military Support for Ukraine
France previously hosted an international conference in February to rally support for Ukraine, and the outcomes of this conference will be reviewed during the discussions between Blinken and French leaders.
Global Diplomatic Efforts
Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne, who has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts, recently visited Cairo to discuss the Gaza war and China to urge Beijing to press Russia over the Ukraine conflict.
Upcoming Meetings and Visits
Following his visit to Paris, Blinken will travel to Brussels for NATO foreign ministers’ talks and hold a three-way meeting with EU leaders and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who is seeking to redefine his country’s historic alliance with Russia.
