Q – Given the highly symbolic nature of the visit of King Charles III which has just been postponed, do you think that this postponement might have consequences on Franco-British relations and which ones? THANKS.
THE MINISTER – The Presidency of the Republic and the President of the Republic, a few moments ago, had the opportunity to speak directly regarding the visit of King Charles III. You know that it is postponed, it is a decision that was taken jointly, following an appeal between the (…)
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Diplomacy
OSCE – Invocation of the Moscow mechanism on serious human rights violations in Belarus linked to the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine (23.03.23)
written by Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief
France welcomes the invocation of the Moscow Mechanism once morest Belarus, on March 23, 2023, by 38 OSCE participating States, in the wake of the publication by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Man for his report on the alarming deterioration of the human rights situation in the country. This mechanism aims to investigate allegations of serious violations of commitments made by States within the framework of the OSCE in the field of human rights, and to identify actions to remedy them.
This mission of independent experts will be responsible for drawing up a report on violations by the Belarusian authorities of fundamental freedoms and human rights. The report intends (i) to highlight developments that have occurred to the detriment of the recommendations made in the previous Moscow Mechanism report once morest Belarus in 2020 and (ii) to identify the actions taken by the Belarusian government, in the framework of the Russian war of aggression once morest Ukraine, which has worsened the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country.
The group of invoking States plans to appoint a French expert as rapporteur for the mechanism, which is why France cannot be one of the invoking States on this occasion. In 2020, France participated in the previous invocation of the Moscow Mechanism once morest Belarus in the context of post-election repression.
France reiterates its firm condemnation of the serious violations of human rights in Belarus and of the complicity of the regime of Alexander Lukashenko in the illegal and unjustified military aggression carried out by Russia once morest Ukraine.
The European strategy aims to accelerate the digital, energy and ecological transitions in emerging and developing countries. The EU thus plans to mobilize 300 billion euros by 2027 to support the financing of sustainable and quality infrastructure, in compliance with social and environmental standards.
As announced at the EU-African Union Summit in February 2022, Africa will benefit from half of the funding committed, i.e. 150 billion euros. The strategy also pays particular attention to the Western Balkans and Ukraine as well as to Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.
This strategy focuses on 5 priority sectors:
- digital (access to digital infrastructure, protective regulatory framework, skills development);
- climate and energy (renewable energies and management of critical minerals, sustainable agri-food systems, water/sanitation, waste management, preservation of ecosystems);
- transport (rail, road, port, airport networks, logistics centers and multimodal platforms, regulatory agreements and convergence);
- health (security of pharmaceutical supply chains, development of local production capacities);
- education and research (access to quality education and professional training, creation of academic and research networks).
The European private sector plays an essential role in the operationalization of this strategy on the ground, through the identification, co-financing and implementation of concrete projects.
In order to mobilize the French private sector around this ambition, a seminar is being organized on March 23, 2023 at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, under the aegis of Olivier Becht, Minister Delegate in charge of Foreign Trade, attractiveness and French people abroad, and Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, Secretary of State for Development, Francophonie and International Partnerships. Hundreds of French companies will thus benefit from a presentation of the opportunities offered by the Global Gateway strategy.
Stakeholders of the Global Gateway strategy
Global Gateway brings together the European Commission, EU Member States and their development operators (including the French Development Agency), as well as major European donors, including the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and other European Development Finance Institutions (EDFI).
Consult the list of priority Global Gateway projects in 2023
Francophonie – International Francophonie Day (03.20.23)
written by Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief
On the occasion of the International Day of La Francophonie, France reaffirms its attachment to the promotion of the French language and to the enhancement of all French-speaking cultures throughout the world, as well as to the values of openness, solidarity and of respect for diversity, which will be celebrated during the 19th Francophonie Summit that France will host in 2024, in close collaboration with the International Organization of La Francophonie.
The President of the Republic has made the place and role of the French language in the world a priority for his two five-year terms.
As the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Catherine Colonna, reminded us, the Francophonie is a priority for our diplomacy. Language of communication and work throughout the world, the French language and the French-speaking cultures allow us to think of the world in a plural and rich way.
Mrs. Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, Secretary of State attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, in charge of Development, Francophonie and International Partnerships, went today to the Alliance Française de Paris to discuss with pupils and students, especially Ukrainians, on the opportunities that learning the French language opens up to them.
Prepared with the support of the International Organization of La Francophonie and its Secretary General, Mrs. Louise Mushikiwabo, the Week of the French language and the Francophonie which is held from March 18 to 26 this year puts French-speaking cultural creation at the honor on five continents, thanks to numerous events organized by the French cultural and cooperation network and its partners, all over the world.
#Mon20mars | Every year, 03/20 is an opportunity to celebrate Francophonie all around the world.
The French language at the service of cultural diversity. @OIFrancophonie @MinColonna @CZacharopoulou???? @AClaireLegendre pour #100pour100diplo pic.twitter.com/NdJFi1s33K
— France Diplomacy???????????????? (@francediplo) March 20, 2023