Macron Urges Franco-British Unity to Defend Post-WWII International Order During UK State Visit
London, The Gulf Observer: French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday called for renewed Franco-British cooperation to safeguard the international order established after World War II, as he addressed the UK Parliament on the opening day of his official state visit to Britain.
In a historic address — the first by a European Union head of state since the United Kingdom’s departure from the bloc — President Macron underscored the importance of revitalising the century-old alliance between France and the United Kingdom in the face of global uncertainty.
“As permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, deeply committed to multilateralism, the United Kingdom and France must once again show the world that our alliance can make all the difference,” Macron said, delivering part of his remarks in English.
“Clearly, we have to work together… to protect the international order as we fought for it after the Second World War,” he added, stressing the joint responsibility of both nations in upholding global peace and security.
The French president addressed a wide range of pressing international issues, including conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and the challenge of irregular migration across the English Channel. He reaffirmed that Europe would “never abandon Ukraine” in the face of Russian aggression, while calling for an unconditional ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Macron also noted the ongoing joint leadership of France and the UK in coordinating a 30-nation coalition to explore support mechanisms for Ukraine, including the potential deployment of peacekeeping forces under certain conditions.
Addressing Britain’s 2020 exit from the European Union, Macron described Brexit as “deeply regrettable,” though he acknowledged the democratic choice made by the British people in the 2016 referendum.
The state visit, rich in symbolism, marks a significant moment in post-Brexit Franco-British relations, with both nations seeking to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and security ties amid a rapidly evolving global landscape.
