Statement by Mr Jean-Yves Le Drian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs - Conversation with his German and Chinese counterparts (4 January 2020)

On Saturday, 4 January, I spoke on the phone with my counterparts, Heiko Maas, of the Federal Republic of Germany, and Wang Yi, of the People’s Republic of China.

I reiterated France’s concern with regard to the escalation of tensions in the Gulf region in recent months. I stated that France fully shares with Germany the main goal of de-escalation and the preservation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

I was also able to verify significant convergence between France and China to step up our joint efforts to prevent an increase in tensions and to facilitate de-escalation. We specifically noted our agreement to maintain the stability and sovereignty of Iraq, and security in the region as a whole, as well as to call on Iran to refrain from further violations of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.