UPDATE - French president reiterates Paris’ support for Ukraine in meeting with US Secretary of State

ADDS STATE DEPARTMENT READOUT

By Nur Asena Erturk

ANKARA (AA) – France’s president reiterated Paris’ support for Ukraine in a meeting Thursday with the US Secretary of State.

Emmanuel Macron met with Antony Blinken at the Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris, according to a statement by the French Presidency, where they discussed US and French support for Ukraine.

Macron “reiterated France’s unwavering and long-term support for Ukraine and its people,” it said.

The two men also discussed the situation in the Middle East and the coordination of humanitarian aid as well as the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.

“The two officials agreed on continuing the close cooperation between France and the US regarding those matters,” said the statement.

According to the US State Department's readout of the meeting, Blinken thanked Macron for "France’s leadership in addressing Ukraine's urgent defense needs" in the face of Russia’s war.

They also discussed work to achieve a cease-fire and hostage swap deal in Gaza as well as the "need for de-escalation in Lebanon and a commitment to a diplomatic solution that allows Israeli and Lebanese civilians to safety return to their homes,” said the State Department.

In a separate meeting with his French counterpart Stephane Sejourne, Blinken also discussed ongoing efforts to achieve a cease-fire in Gaza as well as the urgent need to deescalate tensions in Lebanon and across the region, according to the State Department.

Ukraine's urgent defense needs in the face of Russia’s ongoing war were also discussed between the two

Blinken travelled to Paris to meet with his counterparts from Britain, France, Germany and Italy following his visit to Egypt, where he discussed efforts to reach a cease-fire and hostage swap deal in Gaza.