French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said that "Sunni Islamic terrorism" is the most prominent threat to his country and Europe, calling for enhanced cooperation with the United States, especially ahead of Paris hosting the 2024 Summer Olympics.
While in New York on Friday, Darmanan told AFP: "We came to remind them that for the Europeans and for France, the first danger is Sunni Islamist terrorism, and counterterrorism cooperation between intelligence services is absolutely essential."
"While Americans may have a more national view of crises (such as) white supremacy, frequent mass shootings and conspiracy, they should not forget what appears to us in Europe as the number one threat: Sunni terrorism."
Darmanan concluded a two-day visit to Washington, New York and UN headquarters aimed at strengthening cooperation between police and justice in France and the United States on combating "terrorism" and major crimes.
Darmanan met with U.S. officials, visited an FBI training facility, and discussed in New York with city police commissioner Kishant Sewell ways to maintain order at major events.
France is expected to host the Summer Olympics in Paris from July 26 to August 11, 2024, and the Rugby World Cup in September and October this year.
Darmanan referred to the "resurgence of the threat" associated with "Islamic terrorism" targeting France and its European neighbours, he said, without providing further details.
The French minister expressed regret for "the departure of the Americans from Afghanistan" and France's withdrawal from the African Sahel region, speaking of "the reconstitution of ISIS cells in the Levant, which makes these external threats in light of the events to be organized by France stations for high risks of terrorist attacks."