Blinken will discuss with Macroni about Ukraine and Gaza

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will discuss support for Ukraine during talks to be held in Paris next week with French President Emmanuel Macron, the US State Department reported.

France is among Ukraine's largest military suppliers, a country facing the ongoing Russian attacks after Moscow began its invasion of the neighbouring state in February 2022.

The American president's request, Joe Biden, for billions of dollars in military aid to Kiev has been blocked in the House of Representatives, controlled by the Republicans.

“Secretary Blinken will meet with President Macron to discuss support for Ukraine, efforts to prevent the escalation of the conflict in Gaza and a number of other important topics”, Gaza spokesman told reporters. The UN, Matthew Miller.

France has called for a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas the Palestinian group declared terrorist organisation by the US and the European Union already the US, Israel's main ally, eventually allowed the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution calling for ceasefire during the month of Ramadan.

This will be the first visit in almost two years to France and Blainken. Meanwhile, Macro had been in Washington for the last time in December 2022.

After Paris, Blinken will stay in Brussels for talks with NATO foreign ministers ahead of the summit, to be held in Washington in July for the alliance's 75th anniversary. / REL