But Mr. Johnson said he wanted to build relationships rather than structures and suggested it could be more like “Eurovision” by overshadowing Israel and other nations. The Prime Minister said he had a vision based on the Roman “Mare Nostrum” – the Mediterranean and the countries around it, and maintained Turkey was “essential”.
He said: “Emmanuel has an idea, which I actually claim to be the fatherhood of this idea.
“I had this idea when I first became Minister of Foreign Affairs. My view is that we have the whole concept of … so I think Turkey should be there, I think Maghreb should be there and I think we should basically recreate the Mare Nostrum of the Roman Empire. “
“It’s basically what I think. Of course, Ukraine, Turkey, the Maghreb, there must be a role for all of us in a wider discussion on issues that affect us all. “
“I think possibly what is going on here is that there are several different ideas. That does not mean that they are all the same. ”
“I think possibly rather than inventing new structures, let’s look at building relationships.”
So, yes or no to Macron?
Boris replied, “Insofar as it is compatible with some of the things I have just spoken of, it is worth looking into.”
“There is a role for … I think Turkey is crucial. I think the North African coastal area is also a very important area for the broader European debate. Israel. Come on. ”
Brexiteers fear that President Macron’s plans for a new European club will drag Britain back into the EU’s orbit and start freedom of movement again.
But No. 10 insists the government will never sign for such an agreement.
Mr Johnson said talks with Mr Macron were “particularly constructive” when they met at the G7 earlier this week.
“It was a series of very good talks on many issues,” he added. “