In today’s meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, which was held via videoconference, we looked first at the latest developments in Afghanistan, following the recent political agreement, which is an encouraging indication that the country is emerging from its political impasse. We talked about the EU’s potential to contribute in this direction, which depends to a great extent on the parties’ honouring their commitment to the peace process and national reconciliation.
We also talked at length about EU-China relations, in light of the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and ahead of the upcoming Summit Meeting between the EU and China, which will take place in June, and the upcoming Leipzig Summit scheduled for September 2020. We also looked at the recent developments in Hong Kong. Given the breadth of European-Chinese relations, as well as the weight both sides’ carry in shaping policies with a global impact, such as policies on climate change, it is important to continue the constructive dialogue and explore every potential for mutually beneficial cooperation.
We also discussed the repercussions of the pandemic in the Asia and Pacific region and the potential for the EU to assist its partners in that region in optimising their response to the impact of the pandemic, through the provision of economic assistance and transfer of know-how and best practices.
Finally, we expressed our support for Ireland’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2021-2022, as the presence of European states on the Security Council is vital to promoting common European positions and values.
May 29, 2020