Coalition message from Macron and Meloni

While Macron warned that the first steps toward withdrawal could begin as early as August, Meloni stated, "A dangerous security vacuum must be prevented."

French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met at the 36th France-Italy Summit held in the southern French city of Antibes. During the leaders' meeting, topics such as defense, space, energy, border security, migration, transportation, and the economy were discussed, while developments in Ukraine, Lebanon, the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and the Strait of Hormuz were also evaluated.

In a joint press conference held after the summit, Macron and Meloni drew attention to the fact that the current mandate of UNIFIL, which monitors the ceasefire in southern Lebanon and supports the Lebanese army, will expire at the end of the year. The two leaders announced that they would initiate work toward establishing an international coalition to prevent a security vacuum in Lebanon in the post-UNIFIL period.

"Withdrawal measures could begin as early as August"

Arguing that France and Italy are among the countries that contribute the most to UNIFIL, Macron said that the two countries have a special responsibility in Lebanon. Emphasizing that preparations must be made now for the continuation of an international presence in Lebanon, Macron stated, "We know that the United Nations' UNIFIL mandate will end at the end of the year. If we do nothing, the first measures toward withdrawal will automatically begin to be taken starting in August. Therefore, it is important to build a perspective."

Macron stated that the structure planned to be established would aim to support the Lebanese army and security forces. The French leader said, "First of all, we will work with the Lebanese authorities, the president, the head of government, the defense minister, and the command echelon of the Lebanese army. Our goal is to build a solution that will support the Lebanese Armed Forces and security forces."

Noting that the legal and military structure of the coalition has not yet been finalized, Macron said, "Will this be a multinational force that will stand alongside the Lebanese Armed Forces? Will it be a mission within the framework of the United Nations (UN)? It is too early to say."

Stating that their goals are the "clearest mission definition," the "most effective mission," and the "widest possible participation," Macron said, "Our goal is the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon and the strengthening of the Lebanese army."

The French leader emphasized that weapons in Lebanon must be under the control of the state, pointing to the importance of providing support to the Lebanese Armed Forces for this purpose.

Meloni: "A security vacuum must not be created"

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also said that preparations must be made for the post-UNIFIL period in Lebanon. Meloni said, "The UNIFIL mission will end at the end of the year. An international presence must be maintained to prevent a dangerous security vacuum."

Stating that France and Italy are two countries that can make a difference in Lebanon, Meloni said, "For this reason, we have decided together to launch a coalition to support Lebanon after UNIFIL."

Meloni stated that the initiative aims to include many European countries and regional partners. The Italian Prime Minister also said that an international conference could be organized in the coming period for this purpose.

Stating that a clear international framework is needed for the structure to be established to be successful, the Italian Prime Minister said, "For such an initiative, we need an international framework and a mission definition that can make a difference."

2026-2031 roadmap in the field of defense

At the summit in Antibes, a roadmap covering the 2026-2031 period in the field of defense was also signed between France and Italy. Macron stated that the two countries would strengthen cooperation on support for Ukraine, common security policies, and defense industry projects.

Drawing attention to joint France-Italy projects such as "Aster" missiles and the "SAMP/T" air defense system, Macron said that this cooperation is important for the European defense industry. Meloni also emphasized the importance of the SAMP/T system. The Italian Prime Minister stated that the system is one of the long-range air and missile defense capabilities developed and produced in Europe, and expressed that the war in Ukraine has once again revealed the importance of such systems.

Space, border security, and transportation topics

Cooperation in the field of space also stood out at the summit. The two countries gave a message of support for the Bromo project, which aims to create a strong, Europe-wide satellite and space industry structure among companies playing a role in the aviation and defense sectors, such as Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo. Macron stated that space has become a central area for Europe's strategic sovereignty.

France and Italy also agreed on the establishment of a joint brigade regarding border security. Macron said that this structure would contribute to the fight against cross-border crimes and irregular migration around the common border.

Ukraine and Middle East agenda also discussed

The Russia-Ukraine War and developments in the Middle East were also evaluated at the summit. Regarding Ukraine, Meloni said that Kyiv is ready for negotiations, while Russia is putting forward unacceptable preconditions. The Italian Prime Minister stated that Europe should take a role in the process of a fair and lasting peace.

Touching on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, Meloni expressed that the humanitarian and security crisis in the region is worrying. Macron, on the other hand, emphasized that the perspective of a two-state solution must be preserved in the Israeli-Palestinian issue.

"Our relations were not icy"

At the press conference, Macron and Meloni were also asked about France-Italy relations, which have been strained at times in recent years. Macron gave the message that relations between the two countries have strengthened again, saying, "We all live under the same climate, the weather is hot. There is nothing icy left anymore."

Meloni, on the other hand, stated that the relations were described in a simplified way, saying, "Our relations were not icy. This was a relationship between serious people talking about politics."

The summit ended with a message from France and Italy to increase cooperation on defense, space, border security, and Lebanon.

News Source: 12punto