ISTANBUL
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot spoke Thursday with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas about the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East, including maritime security and developments in Lebanon, according to the statement from the French Foreign Ministry.
The meeting on the sidelines of a G7 foreign affairs meeting in Les Vaux‑de‑Cernay, France, also focused on the EU’s support for Ukraine amid tensions.
Barrot emphasized France’s backing of a swift adoption of the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, and its firm commitment to combating the Russian shadow fleet, echoing French President Emmanuel Macron’s statement Monday that the EU must move forward with new punitive measures, with discussions expected “in the coming days.”
Barrot also met Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.
He reiterated France’s condemnation of Iran’s attacks against its neighbors, expressed full solidarity with the kingdom, and stressed the need to prevent further escalation in the region.
The US and Israel have maintained airstrikes on Iran since Feb. 28, killing more than 1,340 people to date, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure, while disrupting global markets and aviation.