Singapore - Saba:
French President Emmanuel Macron called on Europe and Asia on Friday to work together to achieve strategic independence in the areas of security and trade, encouraging the conclusion of free trade agreements between the countries of the two continents.
"Let us work together on this strategic independence. Let us work very closely in the areas of defense, security, and all the essential pillars of our supply chains," Macron said at the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference in Singapore.
He added, "Let us also work on trade cooperation and new trade agreements. Because the existence of such agreements between Europe and the Asia-Pacific region will have a profound impact on the planet."
The President explained that these are free trade agreements based on common standards and principles and uniting all countries that do not want to be "collateral victims" of decisions "made by great powers."
Macron also emphasized the common interests of Europe and Asia in the areas of strategic independence and energy security.
He added that France intends to offer a "third way"—a strategy for the Indo-Pacific region that does not depend on relations between Washington and Beijing.
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