United Nations – Minister’s meeting with Mr Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General

As part of his visit to New York, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs had a meeting with Mr António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General.

The Minister signalled his support for what the United Nations is doing and recalled the importance of effective multilateralism and adherence to international law and the United Nations Charter.

The Minister talked about the situation in Lebanon, where France recently lost two of its soldiers engaged in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). He recalled the safety and security requirements for UNIFIL personnel and France’s commitment to the force being able to implement its mandate fully until its withdrawal starting on 1 January 2027. He also talked to the Secretary-General about the prospect of strengthening UNIFIL’s role in ensuring the safe delivery of humanitarian aid, in a way appropriate to the security situation and in close coordination with the Lebanese armed forces.

On Palestine, the Minister welcomed the creation of the UN Horizon Fund, to which France will contribute. This initiative reflects a shared view about early recovery and reconstruction, centred on respect for international law, the fundamental rights of Palestinians and the unity of Palestine, with the Palestinian Authority’s full involvement.

Regarding the situation in the Great Lakes, the Minister and the Secretary-General talked about MONUSCO’s role in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to support the ceasefire, civilian protection and de-escalation. As regards the Strait of Hormuz, they discussed the Franco-British initiative for a strictly defensive mission aimed at guaranteeing free, safe navigation in the Strait.