Emmanuel Macron has praised Europe's "predictability" during a visit to Japan, in remarks widely seen as a criticism of Donald Trump.
Speaking to business leaders in Tokyo, Macron acknowledged Europe can be slower but stability is a key strength. "Predictability has value... we are where you know we will go."
He contrasted this with countries that act quickly but unpredictably, warning they could make decisions "that could hurt you without even informing you."
The comments come amid tensions linked to the Iran conflict, with Trump saying today in a new interview with The Daily Telegraph that the US is strongly considering a NATO exit.
"I'm well aware that sometimes Europe can be seen as a continent that is slower than others," Macron told an audience of Japanese business leaders and investors in Tokyo.
"But predictability has value, and we have demonstrated that over all these past years and, dare I say, even these past weeks: we are where you know we will go."
"That's not bad, in times like these, believe me," he added.