Macron starts UK state visit, urging support for Gaza and Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron recently visited the United Kingdom, marking the first state visit by a European leader since Brexit. This three-day trip, graciously extended by King Charles III, highlights ongoing efforts to strengthen relations between France and the UK.

During his address to both houses of the British Parliament, Macron emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two nations to address critical issues, including defense, immigration, climate change, and trade. He articulated a vision in which the UK and France work together to demonstrate their alliance’s potential, stating, “The only way to overcome the challenges we have, the challenges of our times, will be to go together hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder.”

As he reiterated France’s steadfast support for Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russian forces, Macron called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, advocating for peace and stability in the region. Macron underscored the urgency of recognizing Palestine as a sovereign state, advocating for it as a pivotal step toward lasting peace. “The perspective of a Palestinian state has never been put at risk as it is,” he asserted, reinforcing the belief that a two-state solution remains the only viable path to future security for all involved.

Macron’s visit symbolizes a revamped partnership between the UK and France, reflecting the aspirations of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour Party to reset ties with European allies after the complexities brought about by Brexit. The duo also sought common ground on global economic dependencies, with Macron warning against excessive reliance on both the United States and China. He proposed that both nations take concerted action to “de-risk our economies and our societies.”

In an event that showcased their renewed camaraderie, King Charles hosted a state banquet on the evening of Macron’s address. Charles redefined the historic “entente cordiale,” a term denoting the traditional alliance between the two countries, into an “entente amicale,” indicating a deeper commitment to friendship and cooperation.

The two nations announced significant collaborations during Macron’s visit, including a £1.1 billion investment from the French nuclear energy company EDF into a project in eastern England and a cultural exchange involving the famed Bayeux Tapestry—returning to England for the first time in over 900 years.

As politics unfold, Macron is set to engage with Starmer on crucial topics, including strategies for mitigating issues surrounding asylum seekers crossing the English Channel. Despite differences over specific approaches, the two allies are progressing toward a united front in their support for Ukraine, a testament to their evolving partnership.

This visit marks a significant chapter in Franco-British relations, underlining a shared commitment to future cooperation in the face of both regional and global challenges.

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