Within the framework of the arrival of the Tonnerre helicopter carrier and the Guépratte frigate of the French Navy to Argentina, the French ambassador Romain Nadal spoke with the editorial team of Military Zone and World Stage on the main axes of bilateral cooperation in defense and international security. The visit of the ships, which are part of the “Jeanne d’Arc 2024” Mission, coincides with a moment of close ties between both nations on a strategic-military level, as highlighted by the diplomat.
“The defense relationship between France and Argentina has continued since the return of democracy in this country. We have training exchanges, General Staff meetings every year and visits from ministers,” said Nadal.
In that sense, he announced that the French Defense Minister plans to travel to Buenos Aires next fall to participate in the Defense Conference of the Americas.
Common agenda in global crises: the case of Ukraine
However, the ambassador stressed that, with the inauguration of President Milei, greater convergence is foreseen thanks to “common positions” on different global crises, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“The Argentine government has taken very clear positions condemning Russia’s violation of international law. So, that’s going to bring us even closer. In fact, we have discussed this crisis with Argentina and other countries involved in the defense of Ukraine,” he stated.
Along the same lines, he valued the support of the national Executive for Israel’s right to defend itself from Iranian attacks, although he also highlighted the need to “seek political solutions” for the Middle East conflict.
The crisis in Haiti and the elections in Venezuela
Another area of shared interest is the stabilization of Haiti, on which Paris and Buenos Aires work in a coordinated manner within the framework of the United Nations to “support Haitian political forces to find a compromise” and provide humanitarian aid.
“We work in particular with the Argentine Foreign Ministry and its White Helmets Department, in charge of humanitarian aid,” Nadal pointed out.
The Venezuelan case also calls for bilateral dialogue to “favor a political solution” in view of the presidential elections in July, he continued.
The French ambassador predicted a new stage of greater strategic understanding with Argentina in various sensitive crises for global security, based on “shared interests, values and perspectives” between both countries.
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*Image credits: Military Zone – French Embassy in Argentina
