On the occasion of the 5th anniversary of the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia, the EU High Representative Federica Mogherini and the EU28 foreign ministers reiterated that the European Union does not recognise this act which constitutes a flagrant violation of international law.  

The ministers also discussed relations with China, placing special emphasis on international security, trade, and the need to reform the World Trade Organization (WTO). Minister Czaputowicz stressed that “we should take forward our relations with China in a pragmatic way and in the spirit of partnership. While developing the EU policy towards Beijing, we need to deepen the EU’s economic coherence.” The EU foreign ministers also looked at cyber-security and the creation of the so-called connectivity between Europe and Asia. The EU top diplomats met with Wang Yi, the State Councilor and Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China.

The FAC also discussed the situation in Moldova following elections. “We hope that the formation process of the parliamentary coalition and the new government will reflect due respect for democratic standards,” said Jacek Czaputowicz. The ministers stressed the need for Moldova to continue implementing the association agreement and the reforms it entails, in particular as regards fight against corruption.

The Council explored the dire situation in Yemen and the state of implementation of the Stockholm agreement. The EU ministers agreed that it is necessary to push the conflict parties on this matter. They also underlined that ensuring access for humanitarian aid is now one of the major challenges. Poland announced its willingness to contribute additional funds for Yemen, amounting to PLN 2 million.

The FAC was preceded by the EU foreign ministers’ working lunch with North Macedonia’s Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs Bujar Osmani and Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov. The participants agreed that signing the Prespa agreement was a historic milestone. They emphasized, however, that reforms need to be continued before the opening of NATO - North Macedonia accession negotiations.

On the sidelines of the FAC, Minister Jacek Czaputowicz met with Foreign Minister Wang Yi of the People’s Republic of China to discuss bilateral relations.

During his visit to Brussels, the chief of Polish diplomacy also attended a seminar organized by the German Marshall Fund titled “NATO at Seventy – Post-Cold War Enlargement and the Future of Transatlantic Security” with the participation of NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and foreign ministers of the countries which are celebrating round anniversaries of NATO accession.

 

MFA Press Office

Photo Sebastian Indra / MSZ