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Video conference of foreign affairs ministers, 29 May 2020
Main results
EU ministers of foreign affairs today held a video conference, chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.
China is one of the key global players and the EU has to continue its engagement with China based on its interests and objectives. If successful this engagement will help to shape a more stable and prosperous world, but also a world respectful of fundamental rights and freedoms.
Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Ministers first had a brief discussion on Afghanistan. They reaffirmed their support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. They reiterated the need for a permanent and complete ceasefire throughout the country. The discussion confirmed the adoption by the Council of conclusions on the Afghanistan peace process and the future EU support for peace and development in the country.
Foreign affairs ministers then focused on the main item on the agenda, EU relations withChina. The discussion underlined the complex and multi-faceted nature of the relationship, encompassing both political and economic dimensions.
Ministers discussed developments since the March 2019 Joint Communication on EU-China relations. They exchanged views on how to develop a unified and balanced relationship with China on all aspects of the broad relationship, ranging from trade and investment, where a more level playing field is needed, to global challenges such as climate change, international peace and security in all regions of the world, as well as key human rights issues.
Ministers also touched on the most recent developments in Hong Kong, on which an EU declaration was also agreed on.
China is one of the key global players and the EU has to continue its engagement with China based on its interests and objectives. If successful this engagement will help to shape a more stable and prosperous world, but also a world respectful of fundamental rights and freedoms.
