Joint press conference of French defense minister @florence_parly and High Representative @JosepBorrellF after today's informal meeting of πͺπΊ defense ministers hosted by France. A 𧡠on the main messages from π«π· minister π
https://twitter.com/Armees_Gouv/status/1481577960184459267
Ministers discussed the Strategic Compass, first πͺπΊ white paper on security and defense, to be adopted by πͺπΊ leaders in March. This flagship document will define "ambitious and concrete" actions πͺπΊ countries will pursue by 2030.
This meeting also addressed the "freedom of access to and use of common strategic spaces (outer space, cyberspace, maritime and air domains) which are subject to ever more intense competition".
France proposed "the elaboration of the first European defense and security strategy for the outer space". "This will allow a common understanding of the threats and the ways to address them". France will host in Toulouse next March an exercise called AsterX open to πͺπΊ countries.
In the maritime domain, "we have agreed to develop a more global coordinated maritime presence". "France supports the implementation of a coordinated maritime presence in the North West Indian Ocean, starting this year."
Ministers had also exchanges on Ukraine, in the presence of NATO SecGen @jensstoltenberg. "Dialogue is the only way to reduce these tensions in the long term, but we are ready to assume our responsibilities and to impose massive consequences on Russia if it were to intervene."
Ministers also discussed foreign interference in the Sahel and beyond. On the presence of the Wagner group in Mali, Minister Parly used strong words: "the situation in Central African Republic illustrates the consequences of the presence of this mercenary group: ...
... exactions, violations of human rights and of sovereignty, spoliation of mining and customs resources. We want to avoid this in Mali, which is beginning to welcome mercenaries."
"The military authorities in Mali want to stay in power at all costs". "Military cooperation with Mali is only possible with legitimate authorities". Europeans "support the sanctions adopted by ECOWAS" and will therefore discuss "how to support this strategy of maximum pressure".
β’ β’ β’
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
γ
