Deputy Foreign Minister Paweł Jabłoński talks with Portugal’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Francisco André
10.02.2021
- Poland welcomes the involvement of the Portuguese presidency of the Council of the European Union in development cooperation, particularly in negotiations of the post-Cotonou agreement that comprehensively defines the EU’s future relations with African, Caribbean and Pacific countries. We also appreciate Portugal’s activities in Africa-related matters, including areas that particularly require the EU’s attention, such as Ethiopia in the context of the conflict in the Tigray province, and Mozambique, in connection with the Islamic rebels’ activity in Cabo Delgado, - stressed Deputy Foreign Minister Paweł Jabłoński during a telephone conversation with Secretary of State at Portugal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Francisco André.
During the conversation, held at the initiative of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Minister Jabłoński expressed his hope that further negotiations of the post-Cotonou agreement will be conducted effectively. He stated his belief that only a mutually satisfactory agreement will form the basis for a fruitful development of the EU’s relations with African, Caribbean and Pacific countries. The deputy chief of Polish diplomacy underlined that as regards migration policy that is of key importance to Poland, it is vital that the EU stance take account of the point of view of all EU member states.
Speaking about the conflict in the Tigray region, Deputy Minister Jabłoński stressed the need for the EU’s greater involvement in Ethiopia. Only the EU’s firm position can ensure the inhabitants of the region real access to humanitarian aid and enable independent observers and media to fully report on the situation in the province. It is also necessary to investigate all acts of violence by means of a thorough and fair inquiry.
The deputy head of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs also pointed to Poland’s concerns about the deteriorating humanitarian and security situation in Mozambique. He also underlined that Poland supports Portugal’s actions aimed at stopping the Islamic rebellion in Cabo Delgado.
Deputy Minister Francisco André stressed the Portuguese presidency’s determination in the process of negotiating the post-Cotonou agreement. He expressed understanding for Poland’s position on migration. The diplomat underlined that, as regards the situation in Tigray, Portugal – like Poland – is in favour of engaging in dialogue with the Ethiopian authorities, in which the EU should speak with one voice. He also spoke about the involvement of other international actors in conflict resolution. Deputy Minister André thanked Poland for supporting Portugal’s efforts to resolve the conflict in Cabo Delgado.
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Photo: Tymon Markowski / MFA