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In a joint statement released late on Friday night, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron voiced deep concerns over the potential escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, particularly in the Red Sea region. The leaders, who engaged in extensive discussions at a luxurious palace on Thursday, highlighted the importance of preserving freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and stressed the significance of adhering to international maritime laws, reported news agency PTI.
Expressing their shared apprehension about the potential expansion of the conflict, the statement noted the substantial economic repercussions already witnessed in the region. The Red Sea has been a focal point for attacks on merchant vessels by Houthi militants since November, ostensibly in response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
PM Modi and Macron underscored the utmost importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and complying with international maritime laws. The leaders engaged in detailed conversations aimed at coordinating their efforts in the region to address these concerns.
Additionally, the statement conveyed the leaders’ strong condemnation of the terrorist attack on Israel that occurred on October 7. They expressed solidarity with the people of Israel and condemned the loss of civilian lives in the ongoing conflict. Emphasizing the need to respect international humanitarian law, the leaders called for conditions conducive to a humanitarian ceasefire and the unhindered flow of aid to the affected population in the Gaza region. According to PTI, Both leaders also called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and reiterated the necessity of a political process leading to a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.
Turning their attention to the war in Ukraine, PM Modi and Macron expressed deep concern about its tragic humanitarian consequences. They emphasized the imperative of achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine in accordance with international law and UN Charter principles. The leaders highlighted the growing impact of the conflict on the global economic system and food security, particularly affecting developing and least-developed countries, the PTI report stated.
The joint statement further affirmed the leaders’ unwavering condemnation of terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism. Modi and Macron resolved to stand united in the common fight against this global menace, agreeing that no country should provide a haven for those who finance, plan, support, or commit terrorist acts. They called for concerted action against all terrorists, including designations of individuals affiliated with groups listed by the UN Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee. The leaders stressed the importance of upholding international standards on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism, consistent with Financial Action Task Force recommendations.
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