Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The Minister of Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Yves Le Drian recently said in an interview with the media that in the current international situation, Europe cannot get bogged down in the logic of choosing a certain side, cannot dutifully follow anyone, but must strengthen its own independence, Xinhua news agency reported.

As reported on the website of the French Foreign Ministry, on 17 July, in an interview with the Ouest-France newspaper, Jean-Yves Le Drian pointed out that in a pandemic of the new coronavirus infection, it is necessary that all countries are on the same side of the front. However, in the past few weeks, geopolitical tensions have been steadily escalating, which is very unfortunate.

In the minister’s opinion, in the current international situation, Europe must strengthen its own independence. “If Europe gets bogged down in the logic of choosing a certain side, there will be no benefit from it. Europe cannot obediently follow anyone, but must have its own opinion, become a participant in international politics, capable of defending its interests,” he said.

The French official stressed that Europe needs to build consensus on key issues and show strength on two fronts. First, the European Union must defend the sovereignty and interests of all member states; secondly, Europe should strive to become a balancing force that promotes international dialogue, cooperation and stability.