“It is up to all of us to revitalize our friendship so that it can meet the challenges of the 21st century.” More than a simple toast before dinner, it is an authentic political message that King Charles III sent during the state dinner organized in his honor and that of Queen Camilla at the Palace of Versailles.
“Fight against the scourge of climate change”
After the speech of the President of the Republic came that of the King of the United Kingdom, who thanked the welcome given in France but also raised the problems that both countries face today. And one of them is especially loved by the British sovereign, very committed to climate issues.
“Together we strive to restore and protect our natural world and combat the scourge of climate change,” said Carlos III.
The Head of State also stated that he shared “unreservedly” Emmanuel Macron’s position during the One Planet Summit: “you explained how a more sustainable world can preserve our heritage and offer opportunities for the future.”
Statements that come when British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the postponement of the ban on the sale of thermal cars until 2035 instead of 2030 or the relaxation of the conditions for the gradual elimination of gas boilers from 2035.
“Supporting the most vulnerable”
King Charles III also assured that France and the United Kingdom “are united against oppression and support the most vulnerable, in particular those suffering the devastating effects of natural disasters or conflicts, whether in Ukraine, Libya and Morocco.”
The British sovereign refers both to the war between Kiev and Moscow since February 2022 and to the crisis that Libya has been going through for several years and while the country has been affected by floods that have left more than 10,000 dead and many missing. . Finally, Morocco was shaken ten days ago by the strongest earthquake ever recorded in its territory. A catastrophe that left more than 2,900 dead and 5,000 injured.
“I am glad” for the improvement of relations between Paris and London
Parallel to his three-day state visit to France, King Charles III said he was “delighted” by the arrival last March of the British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, in Paris for the first Franco-British summit “during five years during which you have all considered renewing the agreement.
A rapprochement between the two countries, confronted in recent years, in particular with Liz Truss and Boris Johnson, former heads of the British government.
“Let us strengthen our cooperation to respond to current challenges such as the defense of Ukraine, the misery of human trafficking, access to energy and sustainable development,” added the British king.
Again, words that have another resonance when President Volodymyr Zelensky recently raised the issue of deported Ukrainian children before the UN and the Italian island of Lampedusa faced the arrival of thousands of migrants in just a few days.
It remains to be seen whether King Charles III’s next speech, this time before members of the French Parliament, will have the same political content.
Source: BFM TV
