Minister Grlić Radman attends FAC

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman on 13 July 2020 attended a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, held in the physical format for the first time in four months

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman on 13 July 2020 attended a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, held in the physical format for the first time in four months. The main topics were the EU’s relations with Turkey, Latin America and the Caribbean. 

The ministers underscored the importance of Turkey, a partner of the EU, as well as a membership candidate country in NATO ally. They expressed desire to build trust and further develop relations, which are complex and under strain because of Turkey’s worrying activities in the Eastern Mediterranean and Libya. Turkey was called on to stop unilateral actions which run counter to EU interests, the sovereign rights of EU member states and international law, and to respect the UN arms embargo to Libya. The ministers voiced solidarity with the countries affected by Turkey’s activities. They agreed to continue the dialogue with Turkey to defuse tension and reach an understanding on issues affecting the dynamic of the relations, while remaining adamant that EU values and principles be respected. In addition, the ministers condemned the Turkish decision to convert Hagia Sophia back to a mosque and called on the Turkish authorities to reconsider it. 

The Council discussed relations between the EU and Latin America and the Caribbean, in light of the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Team Europe has earmarked EUR 1.5 billion for Latin America, most of which aimed at assisting the economic recovery. Ministers discussed in particular how the EU can support the region with a view to revitalizing the EU’s political engagement with the region at this critical moment.

Grlić Radman underlined the need for EU to monitor and be actively engaged in Southeastern Europe, advocating the strengthening of region’s stability through the development of democratic institutions and bolstering the rule of law, which should remain high on the Council’s agenda. 

The ministers also reflected on the situation in Libya, Venezuela and Hong Kong, and discussed preparations for two upcoming summits – with India in September and the African Union in October.  

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