Video conference of foreign affairs ministers, 15 June 2020

Main results

EU ministers of foreign affairs held a video conference, chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, to discuss transatlantic relations.

The transatlantic partnership is one of the key pillars of the world order and today’s video-meeting reaffirmed the commitment of the European Union member states to continue this close cooperation. Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

Ministers engaged in a strategic dialogue with the US Secretary of State, Mr Mike Pompeo, on bilateral EU-US relations and key foreign policy issues.

The main topics addressed were: relations with China, including the situation in Hong Kong, the Middle East Peace Process, the Eastern Neighbourhood with an emphasis on Ukraine, and the horizontal problem of disinformation.

On China, the High Representative suggested to launch a distinct, bilateral dialogue focussed on the challenges brought by the relations with Beijing. On the Middle East Peace Process ministers underlined the importance to encourage Israelis and Palestinians to engage in a credible and meaningful political process, and expressed their readiness to help and facilitate such process.

The discussion on the Eastern Neighbourhood confirmed that a strong EU-US partnership will remain crucial – particularly on Ukraine.

Other topics that were touched on during the discussion include the global crisis linked to the Covid-19 pandemic, the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Brussels IV conference on supporting Syria that will take place on 30 June 2020.

Under current affairs, ministers were informed about the upcoming Sudan Partnership Conference planned for 25 June 2020 in a virtual format.