The US Secretary of State also called on Israel to do “more to protect innocent civilian lives, whether innocent Palestinian children or aid workers”, and reiterated “the imperative need to significantly increase aid to the Palestinian territory devastated by nearly six months of war “.
Regarding Ukraine, the heads of diplomacy recalled that the United States, as well as France, intended to continue their tireless assistance to Kiev. “France has been a formidable leader in this effort,” praised Antony Blinken.
Addressing American public opinion, he insisted that Congress must vote on the crucial aid program for Ukraine. The United States has been Kiev’s main supporter since the Russian invasion in February 2022. But in Washington, a $60 billion military aid program for Ukraine was blocked for months by Republican opposition in Congress.
Blinken also assured that Washington is working tirelessly to prevent the transfer of weapons and equipment to Russia, particularly from Iran or North Korea, or even China, which are used against Ukraine.
The last time Antony Blinken came to France was almost two years ago. The Secretary of State’s visit precedes the visit of American President Joe Biden in three months, where the head of the White House is expected to participate in the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy, which took place on June 6, 1944.
Initiatives for Ukraine
The two also discussed preparations for the NATO summit to be held in Washington in July. On that occasion, in addition to the transfer of weapons to Russia, Ukraine’s accession to the Atlantic Alliance will be discussed.
