OMM Redaksiyası
France is seeking to work with India to protect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and has welcomed Pakistan’s mediation efforts between Iran and the United States, the French Foreign Ministry said on Monday.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot held separate meetings with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
France and India discuss maritime security
During his talks with Jaishankar, the two ministers “underscored the imperative of ensuring freedom of navigation” in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, according to the ministry.
Barrot proposed that India cooperate with France on the issue, describing it as crucial to the stability and prosperity of Europe and Asia. He also recalled the Franco-British initiative launched to safeguard navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to international law and their support for “effective and reformed multilateralism.” They also reiterated their intention to pursue reform of the UN Security Council.
France and India further backed a ceasefire in Ukraine and called for “a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in accordance with international law.” They welcomed progress in their “comprehensive and special Franco-Indian strategic partnership”, particularly in defence, new technologies and higher education.
Paris backs Pakistan’s mediation efforts
In his separate meeting with Dar, Barrot discussed regional developments and welcomed Pakistan’s mediation efforts between Iran and the United States.
The French minister stressed the need for “the most inclusive negotiations possible” to help secure energy supplies and “sustainably address the threats posed by Iran in the nuclear, ballistic and regional spheres.”
The two ministers agreed to continue strengthening bilateral relations, including cooperation in higher education, culture and sustainable development.
Iran-US conflict and mediation efforts
The United States and Israel launched large-scale attacks against Iran on Feb. 28, targeting government buildings, military sites, missile infrastructure and air-defence systems. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks against Israel and US bases across the region.
The conflict paused under a ceasefire in April. A memorandum signed in June sought to establish a final peace agreement within 60 days, but the deal collapsed weeks later. Pakistan and Qatar have continued efforts to mediate an end to the conflict.
