Blinken, French FM mull support for Ukraine, NATO expansion

US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke on May 22 with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna to congratulate her on her appointment and discuss some of the pressing global issues the US and France are confronting together, Report informs referring to the website of the US Department of State.

The Secretary and Foreign Minister Colonna agreed on the importance of continuing steadfast support to Ukraine and maintaining significant costs to President Putin for his war of choice.

They discussed steps the US and France could take together to support EU accession paths for countries that qualify for membership.

They touched upon the NATO Alliance, including how best to support Finland and Sweden’s bids to join NATO and key issues ahead of the Madrid summit.

Both agreed on the need to respond to the urgent food security and nutrition needs of millions of people in vulnerable situations around the world, which have been exacerbated by Russia’s continued brutal war in Ukraine.

They also discussed the importance of moving forward on the global minimum tax to end the race to the bottom on corporate taxes and lay the groundwork for increased investment and growth.