Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland

10/15/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/16/2024 05:20

Undersecretary of State Jakub Wiśniewski meets with France’s Minister of State for Francophonie and International Partnership

Undersecretary of State Jakub Wiśniewski meets with France's Minister of State for Francophonie and International Partnership

15.10.2024

On Monday, 14 October, France and Poland held consultations in Paris about development cooperation. Deputy Foreign Minister Jakub Wiśniewski met with France's Minister of State for Francophonie and International Partnership Thani Mohamed Soilihi to discuss ongoing matters in that field, in particular in the context of preparations for Poland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2025.

Undersecretary of State Jakub Wiśniewski presented priorities of the Polish Presidency, emphasising the significance of the eastern policy and the EU enlargement process. He also outlined the Presidency's plan for development cooperation, highlighting the priority theme of building resilience, and discussed the key events, including ministerial meetings and the European Humanitarian Forum.

The interlocutors stressed the importance of solidarity and cooperation in the EU, especially in the context of the EU's work on a response to hybrid threats and the consequences of Russia's aggression against Ukraine. They agreed that the Global South countries should be supported in dealing with current challenges, such as migration and fight against disinformation. The French side noted the importance of bolstering women's rights and youth participation in public life, while Deputy Minister Wiśniewski pointed to the role of encouraging the rule of law and good governance in the developing countries.

Referring to the current situation in the Middle East, the two officials stressed the urgent need to halt hostilities and provide civilians with humanitarian aid.