France, Türkiye back South Caucasus stability, Macron says

French President Emmanuel Macron said on X that he held a bilateral exchange with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, focusing on key international crises, including the war in Ukraine, the Middle East, and regional cooperation in the South Caucasus

Macron highlighted progress in the South Caucasus following the Armenia–Azerbaijan meeting under U.S. auspices on August 8, Caliber.Az reports.

He stressed the importance of continuing efforts to reopen borders, strengthen regional cooperation, and consolidate the gains made towards stability.

Turning to Ukraine, both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to ending Russia’s war of aggression. They underlined the need to halt hostilities and establish robust security guarantees for Kyiv. France expressed gratitude to Türkiye for its active collaboration within the Volunteer Coalition framework.

On the Middle East, Macron condemned recent Israeli actions, including a military offensive in Gaza and settlement expansion in the West Bank, notably in E1. He warned that such moves risk entrenching permanent conflict and emphasised that only a ceasefire, the release of hostages, humanitarian aid access, and a renewed political process could bring lasting peace.

The two leaders discussed preparations for the upcoming Conference on the Two-State Solution, co-chaired by France in New York this September, stressing the need to operationalise a stabilisation mission in Gaza and revive negotiations for a two-state settlement.

Finally, Macron reaffirmed France’s readiness to pursue an ambitious bilateral agenda with Türkiye, signalling the desire for deepened cooperation on global and regional issues.

By Aghakazim Guliyev