Ukraine remains a priority for France's foreign policy. This was stated at a press conference in Kyiv by French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne. The visit to Kyiv was the first foreign trip of the French minister after his appointment.
He was accompanied by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.
Before meeting with journalists, Sejourne paid tribute to the fallen Ukrainians.
"These women and men are defending much more than just a country: the security of all of Europe, our values," he wrote on Twitter (X).
France is committed to jointly strengthening Ukraine's ability to produce weapons systems on Ukrainian territory, the newly appointed minister said during a joint press statement with his Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba.
"We are determined to jointly strengthen Ukraine's ability to produce weapons systems on its soil and are ready to come to your aid in this area," Sejourne said.
He also recalled the visit of Defense Minister Sébastien Lecorne and French defense companies to Ukraine.
"We will continue to try to improve the legal framework so that this cooperation can develop even better," Sejourne added.
The minister also noted that he knows how much Ukraine appreciates the French technologies that are being provided to counter Russian aggression.
"We see Russia hitting civilian infrastructures and homes in violation of all international law. Only it is responsible for this escalation, which we strongly condemn. Recalling the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, I want to assure you that France will stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine for as long as it takes. This sentiment is unchanged," he assured.
Background. Earlier, Mind reported that Ukraine and France are stepping up cooperation in air and missile defense. Within the framework of the relevant coalition, the Ukrainian side expects additional supplies of modern air defense systems and missiles to them.