When discussing the situation in Syria, the EU foreign ministers paid special attention to Turkish activity in the north-eastern part of the country, called on Turkey to cease its unilateral military operations and agreed on further steps. Minister Czaputowicz highlighted potentially adverse effects of Turkish operations on fighting ISIS and their humanitarian consequences. “Syrian refugees should have their right ensured to return to their country safely and voluntarily,” stressed Minister Czaputowicz. He was also pleased with the Council’s conclusions - a strong message of EU’s unity.

As for the illegal Turkish activity in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Cyprus, EU’s foreign ministers voices their support for Cyprus and adopted conclusions defining possible EU response.

During the Council session, Minister Czaputowicz presented the outcomes of the meetings of the first two Warsaw Process Working Groups – on cybersecurity in Seoul and human rights in Washington.

The meeting of EU foreign ministers with the Foreign Minister of Ukraine Vadym Prystaiko was an opportunity to discuss the prospects for the peace process in eastern Ukraine and express their support for President Zelenskyy’s actions and reforms. “The determination of Ukraine’s new authorities to put an end to war in Donbass deserves EU’s full support,” underlined Minister Czaputowicz.

On the sidelines of the Foreign Affairs Council, Minister Czaputowicz attended a meeting of foreign ministers of Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, Croatia and Sweden on the Eastern Partnership. The purpose of the meeting was to share insights and work out a common position on the future of the Eastern Partnership. Minister Czaputowicz recalled Polish proposals aimed at the strengthening of the programme, its ambitious institutional development and further sectoral integration after 2020.

MFA Press Office

photo Sebastian Indra / MFA