"As for our relations with Russia, some of our partners view that country as an enemy, and they have reasons for this, but France is not seeking to isolate or weaken Russia. In return, we expect respect and cooperation," Le Drian said, addressing the French ambassadors.
The minister's speech took place in the framework of the 26th Conference of French Ambassadors, which opened in Paris on Monday.
The statement of the French senior politician comes following Macron's Monday speech in which he said it was necessary for France to build a strategic partnership with Russia as well as Turkey since both nations were important for collective security and therefore needed to be tied to Europe.