By KYIV. Jan 3 (Interfax-Ukraine) – French President Emmanuel Macron received Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Paris on Tuesday, with whom he held talks during a working lunch, the Elysee Palace said.
"This meeting took place at a time when Sweden took over the presidency of the Council of the European Union from January 1, 2023," the presidential office said in a communiqué.
According to the document, the conversation between the two leaders touched upon the actions of the EU due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its "consequences for Europe and the rest of the world." The parties also discussed the process of Sweden and Finland joining NATO.
Macron and Kristersson, according to Le Figaro newspaper, reaffirmed "the European determination to support Ukraine." "Ukrainians need our support more than ever," the French president said.
Macron also reaffirmed his expectation of Sweden and Finland joining NATO. He expressed his wish for this to happen "as soon as possible."
"You can count on France’s support and solidarity," Macron said.
