Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron called on the international community to avoid "double standards" in addressing global conflicts, such as the Middle East and Ukraine, while opening the Francophonie Summit on Friday. Macron emphasized the importance of unity among French-speaking countries to contribute to global peace, asserting that they could collectively defend sovereignty and territorial integrity worldwide.

Highlighting the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Macron stressed the need for a consistent diplomatic approach to conflicts across the globe. "It is a place that speaks the same language on Ukraine, which is being attacked and threatened in its borders and territorial integrity by the Russian war of aggression," he stated. Macron also underscored the importance of addressing all conflicts equally, regardless of location, emphasizing that "all lives are equal for all conflicts."

The French president expressed concern over civilian casualties in Israel's escalating conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, a former French colony. He reiterated that lasting peace in the Middle East could only be achieved through a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.

Macron also referred to growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific, without directly naming China, calling for a peaceful region where no power disrupts the peace.

The summit, held at Villers-Cotterets northeast of Paris and continuing in the French capital on Saturday, marks the first time in 33 years that the event is being hosted in France. Leaders from various French-speaking countries, including Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, are in attendance.

France's influence in Africa has diminished following coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where pro-Paris governments were replaced by juntas favoring closer ties with Russia. Leaders from those countries were notably absent from the summit.