Image reproduced from Taiwan News

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to visit the UK on the 8th for a three-day state visit, during which he will deliver a speech at the UK Parliament. This makes him the first EU leader to visit the UK since its departure from the EU in 2020.

During his visit, Macron will hold discussions with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, indicating the ongoing warming of French-British relations and the UK's strong intent to re-engage with Europe. His trip comes at the invitation of King Charles III, after which he will meet with Sunak for a Franco-British summit.

The Élysée Palace also emphasized that the "common interests" between the UK and France are a key agenda item, and their cooperative relationship is vital for the international community. With the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war and increasing security threats from Russia, the necessity for Franco-British solidarity appears more significant.

Additionally, Macron and Sunak are expected to announce new immigration control measures on the 10th, aimed at reducing the number of illegal migrants attempting to cross the English Channel in small boats. So far this year, over 21,000 migrants have made the dangerous crossing from northern France to southeastern England.