State Secretary Andreja Metelko-Zgombić 28 May in Brussels attended a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council. Topics on the agenda included Iran, Venezuela, Congo, Gaza, as well as the framework of the EU-ACP relations after 2020.
The Council underlined the EU’s agreement in regard to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), as long as Iran remains fully committed to it. The ministers also stressed the importance of the EU for the transatlantic relationship, and the need to continue engaging the US, a long-standing partner and ally, on all issues, including Iran.
The ministers exchanged views on Venezuela, following the presidential and regional elections on 20 May, stressing that the elections and the outcome lacked credibility as the electoral process did not provide the necessary guarantees for inclusive and democratic elections. The EU is deeply concerned about the pressing humanitarian needs of the population, including of many Europeans citizens residing in the country, which need to be addressed urgently. The EU will step up its support to the population of Venezuela and the neighbouring countries, notably in building their resilience.
In regard to the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the ministers stressed the importance of following the electoral process which is expected to lead to the general election scheduled end-2018 in a credible, legitimate, consensual and inclusive way. Ministers also expressed their concern over the dire humanitarian situation, in the light of the recent Ebola outbreak. The Council also discussed the situation in Gaza following recent developments and exchanged views on the future partnership between the EU and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries post-Cotonou agreement.
Ahead of the meeting, Metelko-Zgombić attended an informal working breakfast with Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov. She commended the Macedonian government for the progress it had made in implementing reforms, adding that their sustainability hinged on launching the EU membership talks. Croatia will continue to assist Macedonia in its Euro-Atlantic integration by transferring its know-how and experiences. She welcomed the progress in seeking a compromise regarding the country’s name, adding that the final agreement seemed to be within reach.