Leaders of South Korea, France, and Russia Discuss COVID-19 Vaccines and Iran Nuclear Solutions

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Russian President Vladimir Putin, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed solutions to European issues including COVID-19 and Iran's nuclear development.

The three leaders held a video conference on the 30th, during which they also addressed conflicts in Ukraine, Libya, and Syria, according to reports from AP and TASS news agencies.

The leaders reportedly exchanged views on the approval of the Russian-produced 'Sputnik V' COVID-19 vaccine within the European Union (EU) and the possibility of local joint production.

Earlier this month, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) began the approval review process for Sputnik V, and the leaders agreed to discuss cooperation measures for the Sputnik V vaccine based on EMA's evaluation. President Putin commented on claims from EU leadership that "there is no need to introduce Sputnik V," saying, "It makes me think that EU officials are not defending Europeans but rather the interests of certain pharmaceutical companies."

The leaders also reaffirmed the need to adhere to the 2015 'Minsk Peace Agreement,' mediated by France and Germany, concerning the conflict in eastern Ukraine (Donbas region), according to the Russian side. Russia emphasized that Ukraine should recognize a special status for rebel-controlled areas under the peace agreement, while France reportedly demanded that Russia play a role in ensuring a ceasefire.

The three leaders urged political solutions to the civil war in Libya and Iran's nuclear development issues. They particularly agreed on the necessity to maintain and implement the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA - Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action).

Germany and France also called for a dialogue-based resolution to the unrest in Belarus, a former Soviet state, where opposition protests against alleged fraud in last August's presidential election continue. However, President Putin stated that external interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign country is unacceptable.

Chancellor Merkel and President Macron also urged humanitarian relief for Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny, who was convicted in connection with a 2014 fraud case and is currently serving time in prison.

In response, President Putin expressed willingness to restore relations between Russia and the EU, which have deteriorated since the Navalny incident. He stated, "If the EU is interested, Russia is ready to restore normal relations depoliticized," indicating a conditional willingness to improve relations.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.