News item | 09-03-2022 | 17:18
On March 9, 2022, a cabinet delegation was in Paris for government consultations with the French government. Members of the cabinet, including Minister Hoekstra of Foreign Affairs, entered into discussions with their French colleagues, with the aim of further strengthening cooperation between the Netherlands and France. The talks were largely dominated by the war in Ukraine. The Netherlands and France also issued a joint statement.
Cooperation between the Netherlands and France
France is an important partner for the Netherlands in the European Union (EU). And in today’s changing and unstable world, this alliance is all the more important. The ministers held intensive consultations about the further deepening of Franco-Dutch cooperation and the ambition of both countries to strengthen the EU’s position in the world.
Russian invasion of Ukraine
The talks in Paris were, of course, dominated by Ukraine. It is important that we as countries continue to work closely together in the EU and NATO to put pressure on Russia to stop the invasion.
A strong EU
The Netherlands and France share the ambition to strengthen the EU’s position in the world. The Ukraine crisis demonstrates the importance of a decisive, resilient and autonomous EU. The Netherlands wants to work on this together with France.
Agreements were made in Paris on cooperation in various areas, including the Ukraine crisis, military and economic resilience, climate, security, standing up for democratic values and combating impunity.
The Dutch delegation
The following persons from the Dutch cabinet were present in Paris: Prime Minister Rutte, Minister Kaag of Finance, Minister Hoekstra of Foreign Affairs, Minister Yeşilgöz-Zegerius of Justice and Security, Minister Ollongren of Defense and Minister Jetten of Climate and Energy. The French delegation was led by President Macron.