French President Emmanuel Macron will be signing a bilateral security agreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday during his visit to Paris, according to a statement issued by the French presidency. The agreement will be signed at the Elysee presidential palace, although specific details about its contents were not disclosed.
This agreement comes after Macron expressed earlier this year that France was in negotiations with Ukraine for a similar bilateral deal. The French president cited the recently signed agreement between Ukraine and the United Kingdom as a model, which covers a span of 10 years.
Zelenskyy's visit to Paris marks his third since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia two years ago. His previous visits, in February and May 2023, aimed to strengthen ties between the two nations and garner support from France. The French presidency emphasized that Macron's meeting with Zelenskyy is an opportunity to reiterate France's unwavering support for Ukraine and its people, both in the short term and in the long term, in collaboration with all of its international partners.
During their meeting, Macron and Zelenskyy will address several critical issues, including the situation on the front line, Ukraine's military capabilities and requirements, its economic needs, and the ongoing negotiations regarding Ukraine's bid to join the European Union. The French presidency specifically stated that France fully supports Ukraine's efforts in this regard.
In addition to his visit to France, Zelenskyy will also travel to Germany, where he is scheduled to meet with Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The Ukrainian president's itinerary includes participation in the Munich Security Conference the following day. While there, Zelenskyy will engage in bilateral meetings with various world leaders, including U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, Czech President Petr Pavel, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
The signing of the bilateral security agreement between France and Ukraine highlights the commitment of both nations to strengthen their cooperation in matters pertaining to security and defense. It symbolizes the ongoing efforts to enhance Ukraine's stability and security, particularly in the face of external threats. As Macron and Zelenskyy convene in Paris, they aim to solidify their partnership and reaffirm their shared objective of a secure and prosperous Ukraine.
