French and Indian Foreign Ministers Discuss the Importance of Freedom of Navigation in the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab

Paris, Sept 21 (KUNA) -- French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot held talks today with his Indian counterpart, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, on the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb. The French Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Barrot met Jaishankar on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly held in New York, United States. The statement added that the two ministers reaffirmed France’s and India’s commitment to international law and their shared commitment to effective multilateralism and the common interest, while emphasizing both countries’ determination to reform the UN Security Council. Both sides affirmed their support for a ceasefire in Ukraine and for achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in accordance with international law. The French minister proposed that India work jointly on this vital issue for the stability and prosperity of Europe and Asia, recalling the Franco-British initiative launched to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The two ministers welcomed the progress made in the global strategic partnership between India and France, particularly in the fields of defense, new technologies, and higher education. (End) m.b / m.a.h.a