Macron respects Swiss neutrality on arms re-export
Published: Wednesday, Nov 15th 2023, 18:50
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French President Emanuel Macron respects Swiss neutrality on the issue of the refusal to re-export war material to Ukraine. At the same time, he expressed his hope that Switzerland would step up its defense cooperation with NATO and Switzerland.
The question of Europe's defense is becoming increasingly important in view of the various escalating conflicts, Macron said on Wednesday during his state visit at a joint media conference with President Alain Berset in Bern.
NATO is indispensable in this respect. At the same time, Europe must take on more responsibility. Supporting Ukraine is and remains a necessity.
Both Berset and Macron clearly rejected the rise in anti-Semitism since the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel. Macron referred to the march against anti-Semitism in Paris on Sunday.
His task is the unity of the nation. He would not tolerate Jewish or Muslim citizens having to be afraid. These are the values of the Republic. France's priority in the Gaza conflict is to free the hostages, who include French citizens and dual nationals. Berset stated that Switzerland has taken a clear stance against anti-Semitism and stands up for international humanitarian law.
In response to a question from the election winner SVP, Macron said: "Don't they know they are Europeans?". The EU is a peace project and Switzerland is an open country despite its somewhat special relationship with the Union.
The French President described the political discussions with the Federal Council as lively and varied. History and language united France and Switzerland. In addition, they also created a link to the countries in the world that often receive the least attention.
He emphasized the role of the French community abroad in Switzerland and paid tribute to cross-border commuters. Switzerland's negotiations with the EU Commission are of great importance to both sides, he said. With regard to climate change, Macron praised joint research efforts.
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