M. Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, hosted a meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Mr Hakan Fidan, on Wednesday 2 April.
The ministers discussed current international issues. They reaffirmed the need to work on monitoring the ceasefire and continue to work for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace based on solid security guarantees for Ukraine.
They also spoke about the situation in Syria and the importance of supporting a just, inclusive political transition that addresses the Syrian people's aspirations and respects the rights of all Syrians. The Minister reiterated France's strong condemnation of the serious violence in north-west Syria in March. The ministers emphasized the importance of full light being shed on these crimes and of their perpetrators being punished. The [French] Minister also welcomed the agreement signed by the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, and the Syrian interim authorities.
The two ministers also reaffirmed their shared desire to work for a continuation of the ceasefire in Gaza, for the release of all the hostages and for securing a lasting peace based on the two-state solution.
Regarding the Caucasus, the ministers stressed that the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, with due respect for the two States' territorial integrity and sovereignty, should enable the South Caucasus to become an area of peace, integration and cooperation.
Finally, the ministers took stock of the bilateral relationship between France and Turkey. They welcomed the positive momentum of bilateral trade and recalled their desire to hold the eighth session of the France-Turkey Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) soon. The two ministers talked about relations between the European Union and Turkey. The Minister voiced France's deep concern about recent political developments in Turkey and recalled that France remains committed to respect for the rule of law, democratic principles and pluralism.