Valerie Giscard d'Estaing's policy was characterized by a cautious commitment to Israel, a continuation of the policies followed since the end of the de Gaulle and Pompidou period, by not attempting to improve relations with Israel, but without the deterioration of the bilateral relations on which France and Israel met.
The focus for Giscard, as dictated by Charles de Gaulle, was to rebuild relations with the Arab world, which were at their lowest levels.
Valerie Giscard d'Estaing helped push forward the monetary union in close cooperation with German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt.
Like his friend Schmidt, the late president was a firm believer in the importance of strong ties with the United States.
