- Published: 31.08.2022.
Minister Grlić Radman attends Gymnich
The first working part of the meeting dealt with the EU-Africa relations, six months after the last summit between the EU and the African Union, also in the light of Russian aggression against Ukraine and its implications for the situation in Africa, including the very serious food crisis. “The global consequences of Russian aggression have only highlighted many of the challenges African countries already face. The EU already makes a significant contribution with immediate as well as long-term solutions for key crises and challenges in Africa. Still, we have to put additional effort into building trust and partnership, as well as into the implementation of the investment plan within the Global Gateway, which the EU adopted in February,” Grlić Radman.
Ministers also discussed the wider implications of Russian aggression against Ukraine, underscoring the importance of maintaining unity, additional strengthening of the transatlantic partnership and cooperation with key global partners, continuing comprehensive support for Ukraine, and working on resilience, including energy diversification. A political agreement was reached on full suspension of the application of the EU-Russia visa facilitation agreement and non-recognition of the passports issued in the occupied territories.
Grlić Radman underlined the importance of security and stability in the EU’s immediate neighbourhood, notably the Western Balkans.
“We should pay more attention to the Western Balkans. Instead of joining us in condemning Russian aggression, Serbia sends its interior minister to Moscow, while at the same time its top officials send nationalist and revisionist messages as part of its imperialist policy. This shouldn't go unnoticed as it clearly isn't in accordance with the EU’s position and destabilises the entire region, which is already fragile enough,” the minister said.
On the margins of Gymnich, ministers exchanged views with the foreign ministers of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia.
“Ukraine can continue to count on Croatia’s support in various areas, from humanitarian aid to demining and post-war recovery. We are also ready to support Moldova and Georgia in their reform processes and share our experience and knowledge on EU accession,” Grlić Radman said.