The heads of state agreed to coordinate closely on the issues in the coming weeks, both bilaterally and internationally
French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the situation in Afghanistan with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, noting that France expects the Taliban (banned in Russia) to stop trafficking drugs and weapons first. According to the Elysee Palace, in total, the conversation between the two leaders lasted more than an hour and a half.
“The presidents exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan and the ongoing evacuation, as well as on our priority expectations from the Taliban: the fight against drug and arms trafficking, cutting ties with international terrorist movements, and respect for women’s rights”, – the French leader said in a communiqué released by his press service.
The heads of state agreed to coordinate closely on the issue in the coming weeks at both bilateral and international levels, including the UN Security Council and the Group of Twenty (G20) format. Macron and Putin also discussed the reduction of tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan. They spoke in favour of “strengthening the role of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs in seeking solutions for a sustainable settlement” following the armed clashes in Nagorno-Karabakh in autumn 2020, and after the conclusion of a trilateral peace agreement on 9 November 2020.
“Regarding Ukraine – the French president has reiterated his will to facilitate the implementation of the Minsk agreements, which requires an active contribution from all parties, including Russia”, – the Elysee Palace said in a statement.