France and Germany have agreed a common approach to exports of weapons they have been building together, according to a secret pact seen by media
MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 15th February, 2019) France and Germany have agreed a common approach to exports of weapons they have been building together, according to a secret pact seen by media.The deal was struck in mid-January and complements a general pact on bilateral ties signed in Aachen later that month, the Spiegel magazine reported.
The appendix gives France more leeway in choosing buyers, including for a new tank and fighter jet, after the two countries clashed previously over exports to third countries.
The paper states that neither side can oppose transfers and exports of jointly-made weapons. They can express concerns over national security or direct interests that will be examined within two months.
The partners have also agreed to inform each other beforehand about plans to export weapons to countries outside NATO.
Germany has strict rules on military exports, including a mandatory review by the national security council of every sale to a non-NATO country, while France has been heavily promoting arms exports to any interested party, such as Saudi Arabia.
