Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, announced on Monday that his discussions with Donald Trump, his American counterpart, regarding the crises in the Middle East and Ukraine were "very constructive."
Discussion on the Strait of Hormuz
Macron, after arriving in New York for the annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations, told reporters: "We had a very good conversation. This dialogue was very constructive."
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The French President also referred to the Strait of Hormuz, stating that there is a "desire to reopen the Strait of Hormuz." This maritime passage, vital for the transportation of oil and gas globally, has been blocked by Iran due to tensions in the Middle East.
Macron further added that "several solutions were discussed that could allow for more container ships and tankers to pass without the need for a comprehensive agreement." However, he did not provide further details.
Situation in the Red Sea and Ukraine
He also mentioned the situation in the Red Sea, saying: "This issue is important for global prices." The Red Sea has become a key route for oil transportation, and the seizure of a key strait by Iran-backed Houthis has complicated transport operations in the region.
Regarding Ukraine, Macron emphasized the necessity of providing defensive weapon systems for Kyiv. He stated: "We must help our Ukrainian friends faster and stronger. This is a defensive action."
The French President also addressed the topic of "energy ceasefire and suspension of activities in the Black Sea" in a post on the social media platform X, adding that he would also discuss this matter with Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine.
Macron met with Zelensky on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and stated: "Today we must help Ukraine's energy system."
Before this meeting with Trump, he had traveled from Saint Pierre and Miquelon, a small French territory off the Atlantic coast of Canada, where he had met with Mark Carney, the Prime Minister of Canada.
Carney and Trump have been exchanging views on the unsuccessful efforts to sign a trade agreement between the United States and Canada, which has led to reciprocal tariffs.
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