Latest news with #LaurentSaint-Martin
Straits Times
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
France concerned over citizen missing in Iran, minister says
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox FILE PHOTO: France's Delegate Minister for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad Laurent Saint-Martin listens to the speech of France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot, after a meeting with European partners to suggest a negotiated solution to end the conflict between Iran and Israel at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (Quai d'Orsay) in Paris, France June 19, 2025. JULIEN DE ROSA/Pool via REUTERS/File photo PARIS - A French man has been missing in Iran since mid-June, France's minister responsible for the country's residents abroad said on Monday, adding that Paris had no details on what had happened to the man. "It's a worrying disappearance and we are in contact with the family," Laurent Saint-Martin, who is also trade minister, told RTL radio. "It is worrying because Iran has a deliberate policy of taking Western hostages," he added. But Saint-Martin did not say specifically that the Iranian authorities were holding the man, who also has German nationality. French media reported that the man was an 18-year-old who had been on a cycling trip in the region but went missing a few days after Israeli planes struck targets in Iran. Separately, a diplomatic source said Iran has charged two French nationals - Jacques Paris and Cecile Kohler - with spying for Israel's Mossad intelligence service. The two have been held in Iran more than three years in what France has called state-sponsored hostage taking. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who spoke with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi on Sunday, made no mention in a statement of the missing teenager but demanded the "immediate and unconditional" release of Paris and Kohler. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Eligible S'poreans to get up to $850 in GSTV cash, up to $450 in MediSave top-ups in August Singapore Four golf courses to close by 2035, leaving Singapore with 12 courses Singapore Fewer marriages and births in Singapore in 2024; greater stability for later cohorts Singapore Paternity leave take-up in S'pore rises to 56% in 2023; experts hope for further boost after extension Singapore Construction starts on Cross Island Line Phase 2; 6 MRT stations in S'pore's west ready by 2032 Singapore $1.46b nickel scam: Ng Yu Zhi opts to remain silent after judge calls for his defence Singapore More nurses to anchor care in community settings as Singapore's population ages Life How to cope with the heat when travelling: 5 expert-backed tips Kohler's sister on Sunday said that the two had been moved from Evin prison in Tehran after Israel bombed the site but that she had not been told where the two were now being held. Iran's Revolutionary Guards have detained dozens of foreign and dual nationals in recent years, often on espionage-related charges. Rights groups and Western countries accuse Tehran of using foreign detainees as bargaining chips, which it denies. France in May filed a case at the World Court against Iran for violating the right to consular protection, in a bid to pressure Tehran over the detention of its two citizens. REUTERS
Al Etihad
20-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE premier strategic partner: French Trade Minister
20 June 2025 17:43 PARIS (WAM)Laurent Saint-Martin, France's Delegate Minister for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad, said that the UAE holds a top-tier position in France's economic and trade policy in the Gulf region. He emphasised the depth and distinction of bilateral relations, particularly on the economic and diplomatic statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), on the sidelines of the 'Vision Golfe 2025', organised by the French government at the headquarters of the Ministries of Economy and Finance in Paris, Minister Laurent Saint-Martin praised the exceptional momentum in the UAE-France partnership and called for elevating cooperation to new levels, especially in industry, renewable energy, digital economy, and innovation.'The UAE is undoubtedly a priority for France among Gulf nations,' said the minister. 'It is not only a key regional and economic force, but also a modern, dynamic development model that aligns with our vision for future international relations, rooted in innovation, sustainability, and openness.'He added that France seeks to strengthen partnerships with countries that share its strategic outlook and values, stating that the UAE stands out as an ideal partner in this economic ties, Minister Saint-Martin noted that France has maintained one of the oldest and most solid records of trade and investment relations with the UAE in the Gulf region. These ties, he said, are built not on chance or temporary alliances, but on mutual trust, understanding, and long-term respect.'We have worked with the UAE for decades, and we take pride in what our companies have achieved in the Emirati market,' he said. 'Today, we have a real opportunity to expand this cooperation in line with global economic shifts, through innovation-driven, high-quality partnerships.'He urged the business communities in both countries to seize the current momentum and strengthen ties between Emirati and French companies, particularly in advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, and green transformation.'We must move beyond traditional cooperation toward productive, integrated partnerships. Our companies need to collaborate more effectively and cohesively.'On the diplomatic front, Minister Saint-Martin described UAE-France relations as solid and time-tested, backed by continuous dialogue and strategic coordination on multiple fronts, both bilaterally and in international stressed that France views the UAE as a long-term strategic partner, expressing confidence that cooperation is poised to grow further amid evolving global challenges. 'We live in a fast-changing world,' he concluded, 'and global challenges, whether environmental, digital, or economic, require trusted, forward-looking partners. The UAE is undoubtedly one of the most prominent among them.'
Qatar Tribune
18-06-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar strengthens economic ties with France at Vision Golfe forum
Tribune News Network Doha Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry HE Dr. Ahmad bin Mohammed Al-Sayed participated in the 'Vision Golfe' forum held in Paris from 17 to 18 June 2025. The forum brought together ministers, senior officials, decision-makers and industry experts from the Gulf Cooperation Council states and the French Republic. The State of Qatar's participation reflects growing bilateral relations with France, and underscores the importance of constructive economic dialogue on regional and global issues of shared interest. In his remarks at the forum, the Minister of State stated that the forum represents a vital platform for reinforcing Gulf–French relations and expanding economic and trade cooperation, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, supply chains, global trade, and sustainable development. The Minister of State stressed that the State of Qatar stands as a key strategic partner within the framework of GCC–France cooperation, retaining strong bilateral ties with France focused on advancing mutual development and prosperity. He pointed to the notable growth in economic relations, stating that trade exchange between Qatar and France reached approximately QAR 11 billion over the past five years, with 574 French companies currently operating from Qatar— further bolstering the economic partnership. The Minister highlighted key indicators of Qatar's economic performance, reflecting rising global investor confidence. He reaffirmed Qatar's continued efforts to implement national strategies with a focus on furthering economic diversification and public-private partnerships. The Minister of State invited French companies to explore the wide range of investment opportunities available in Qatar, especially at national free zones, Qatar Financial Center (QFC), Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) and other platforms that offer attractive incentives and competitive advantages. He also reiterated Qatar's commitment to developing investment infrastructure and fostering high-impact, sustainable partnerships that benefit both nations. Dr. Ahmad bin Mohammed Al-Sayed concluded his speech by affirming the pivotal role played by the State of Qatar in enhancing the security and stability of the region through active diplomacy, regional and international partnerships, and ongoing efforts in supporting priority issues. On the sidelines of the forum, the Minister held bilateral meetings with French officials, including Laurent Saint-Martin, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad. Discussions focused on enhancing economic and trade cooperation. The forum featured high-level sessions on strategic themes aligned with future development priorities, including AI, technology and innovation, water and waste management, energy in the Gulf, transport connectivity, global partnerships, and tech-driven healthcare systems.
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First Post
06-06-2025
- Business
- First Post
China, France seek resolution on brandy tariffs as trade talks continue
China and France have agreed to resolve their trade disputes through dialogue, China's foreign ministry said on Friday, though there was no indication that agreement had been reached in talks on lifting Chinese levies on European brandy. read more China and France have agreed to resolve their escalating trade tensions through dialogue, Beijing's foreign ministry said Friday, offering cautious optimism for a deal on punitive Chinese tariffs targeting European brandy, particularly French cognac. The announcement follows high-level talks this week between Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and French Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin on the sidelines of an OECD conference in Paris. Technical discussions have also been underway in Beijing, where Chinese officials reportedly signaled a willingness to settle the dispute, though some sticking points remain. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The latest round of negotiations have raised hopes of a settlement, two industry sources with knowledge of the discussions said. 'The two sides have reached consensus on resolving economic and trade issues through dialogue and consultation', the Chinese foreign ministry said after a call between the Chinese and French foreign ministers. Beijing imposed anti-dumping duties of up to 39% on European brandy earlier this year — measures widely seen as retaliation for EU tariffs targeting Chinese electric vehicle exports. France, the leading cognac producer, has been most affected, with major players like LVMH's Hennessy, Pernod Ricard's Martell, and Rémy Cointreau experiencing a decline in sales to China, their most valuable export market in terms of revenue. China had initially set a final decision on the duties for January, but has extended the deadline twice, now pushing it to July 5. Beijing was initially meant to make a final decision on the duties by January, but extended the deadline to April and then again to July 5. China is seeking to strengthen trade ties with the 27-member bloc as relations with the United States have soured in the escalating trade war. 'France will not compromise on … the protection of its industries, such as cognac,' French trade minister Laurent Saint-Martin said after talks with Wang on Wednesday. Chinese officials, meanwhile, signalled to industry officials during three rounds of technical meetings in Beijing this week they wanted to settle the matter, one of the sources said, but added some sticking points remained. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With annual imports of around $1.7 billion last year, China is the French brandy industry's most important measured by value and the second-largest by volume after the United States. With inputs from agencies
Bloomberg
04-06-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
China Calls for France to Help Resolve Trade Differences With EU
China called on France to help resolve trade differences with the European Union, as Beijing seeks to shore up ties with the bloc amid simmering tensions with the US. 'It is normal to have differences in bilateral economic and trade cooperation, but the key is to resolve them through equal dialog and consultation,' Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao told French Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin in Paris on the sidelines of a WTO ministerial meeting, according to a statement by China's commerce ministry.
