Emmanuel Macron has said Europe wants to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine, as the French president met with United States President Donald Trump at the White House on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, reports Al Jazeera.
Speaking alongside Trump in the Oval Office on Monday, Macron said the “common objective” was to build “a solid and longstanding peace” in the war-torn country.
“We do share the objective of peace but we are very aware of the necessity to have guarantees and a solid peace in order to stabilise the situation,” the French president told reporters.
“This is a very important moment for Europe,” Macron added.
“I’m here as well after discussions with all my colleagues, to say that Europe is willing to step up to be a stronger partner, to do more in defence and security for its continent, and … to be engaged on trade, economy and investments.”
Macron’s visit to Washington, DC, comes amid growing concern in Europe about the future of transatlantic relations as Trump advances his “America First” foreign policy agenda and urges a quick end to the Ukraine war.
The Republican leader’s push to launch negotiations between senior US and Russian diplomats without the participation of Ukrainian or European leaders has raised tensions, with Europe questioning Washington’s commitment to its security.
Trump, who took office on January 20, said on Monday that “a lot of progress has been made” so far on efforts to end the conflict.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
