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POLITICS

Western allies voice concern at Iran-Russia defence ties

The US, British, French and German foreign ministers on Saturday expressed concern over the deepening cooperation between Russia and Iran, the manufacturer of drones the West says Moscow deploys in Ukraine.

Western allies voice concern at Iran-Russia defence ties
French President Emmanuel Macron is displayed on screens as he addresses participants of the Munich Security Conference. Photo: Odd ANDERSEN/AFP

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with France’s Catherine Colonna, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and UK counterpart James Cleverly on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, a statement said.

They “discussed their concerns about the deepening two-way military cooperation between Iran and Russia, and its implications for the security and stability of the region awnd beyond,” a statement by Blinken’s spokesman said.

“They underscored their concern about Iran’s nuclear escalation and its lack of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, calling on Iran to reverse course.”

Negotiations on Tehran’s contested nuclear policy with the West aimed at reviving a landmark deal have been in the doldrums for several months.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is on top of the agenda at the Munich conference, being attended by world leaders.

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POLITICS

VIDEO: King Charles vows to strengthen UK-France ties

King Charles III on Thursday pledged to do everything he could to strengthen the relationship between France and Britain, suggesting the "indispensable" partners could also team up to jointly tackle the climate emergency.

VIDEO: King Charles vows to strengthen UK-France ties

In a speech at the French Senate on the second day of a three-day visit to France that London hopes will tighten post-Brexit relations, Charles deftly mixed English and French, winning a standing ovation from the lawmakers.

He recalled his mother Queen Elizabeth II, whom he succeeded upon her death  one year ago, describing her legacy for France-UK relations as a “golden thread which will forever shine brightly” and saying the royal family were “moved beyond measure” by tributes to her from France.

“For the time that is granted to me as King, I pledge to do whatever I can to strengthen the indispensable relationship between the United Kingdom and France,” he said.

“Quite simply, the United Kingdom will always be one of France’s closest allies and best friends,” he said, speaking from a lectern adorned with British, French and EU flags.

VIDEO How good are British royals at speaking French?

He suggested that France and Britain should team up to tackle the climate and biodiversity emergencies with a new version of the 1904 Entente Cordiale pact, which sealed the friendship between Paris and London.

“I would like to propose it also becomes an ‘Entente pour la Durabilite’ (Partnership for Sustainability) in order to tackle the global climate and biodiversity emergency more effectively.”

He also vowed that London and Paris were “steadfast in our determination Ukraine will triumph” in fighting the Russian invasion.

“Our alliance and our resolve are as important as ever. Together, we stand in resolute solidarity with the Ukrainian people.”

His speech will also be etched in history as the first British monarch to speak in the main chamber of the Senate: his mother spoke in a conference hall within the Senate in a 2004 speech.

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