Communiqué - Call between the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Angela Merkel, and the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin (Élysée Palace, 30 March 2021)

The President of the Republic and the German Federal Chancellor today held a joint videoconference with the President of the Russian Federation.
President Macron and Federal Chancellor Merkel discussed the public health situation with President Putin and possible cooperation concerning vaccines, depending on the progress of the ongoing review of the Sputnik V vaccine at the European Medicines Agency (EMA). This review is based on the same standards the EMA applies to each vaccine.

The President and the Federal Chancellor alerted President Putin to the situation of Mr Alexei Navalny and the need for his rights to be respected in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights and for his health to be preserved.

The need for Russia to act determinedly to stabilize the ceasefire in Ukraine and determine an end to the crisis in accordance with the Minsk agreements was underlined.

The situation in Belarus, where the need for inclusive dialogue has been highlighted, was also addressed.

On Libya, Mr Macron and Ms Merkel underlined the importance of France, Germany and Russia bringing their influence fully to bear to foster the ongoing transition process and ensure the security situation improves.

The President of the Republic and the Federal Chancellor expressed their concern about the humanitarian situation in Syria and called for continued cross-border assistance to populations in need and for support to the work of the Constitutional Committee.

On the Iranian nuclear issue, President Macron, Federal Chancellor Merkel and President Putin agreed to coordinate their efforts for dialogue to begin and for Iran to return to compliance with its obligations as soon as possible.

(Original text in French)