Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Marija Pejčinović Burić 18 February 2019 attended a meeting of the European Union Foreign Affairs Council.
The Council discussed the Horn of Africa, Ukraine, Syria and Venezuela.
The Council discussed Ukraine in light of the fifth anniversary of events on the Maidan, which has come to symbolise Ukraine’s European journey. The ministers concluded that Ukraine had done a lot in terms of reforms over the past five years and that the reforms should also be viewed in the context of the conflict in the east of the country. The Council reiterated its full support for Ukraine’s independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty and continued condemnation of the illegal annexation of Crimea. Following the developments in the Azov Sea and Kerch strait region, the ministers reiterated the EU’s call for all detained Ukrainian seamen to be immediately released as well as for the return of the seized vessels. The Council was also informed about the situation in Ukraine by the country’s Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin, with whom the ministers held informal talks ahead of the meeting.
The Council discussed the situation in Syria, agreeing to continue with the political, diplomatic and humanitarian efforts. The ministers reiterated the EU’s full support for UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen’s efforts and the Geneva UN-led peace process for Syria. The Council also discussed preparations for the Brussels 3 conference on the future of Syria and the region, which will take place 12-14 March. The conference is crucial for mobilising the international community behind humanitarian and resilience efforts for the Syrian people and host communities.
Regarding the situation in Venezuela, the ministers underlined the need for a democratic and peaceful outcome to the crisis. They reiterated the EU’s support for the National Assembly and Juan Guaidó. The EU will continue its engagement through the International Contact Group, which held its first meeting 7 February in Montevideo. The EU will also strive to ensure that humanitarian aid is delivered.
The Council discussed the Horn of Africa. The ministers welcomed the Ethiopia-Eritrea peace agreement. They agreed the EU would bolster its presence in the region to support the positive changes with the aim of promoting democracy, human rights, regional cooperation and economic development.
The ministers also welcomed the historic North Macedonia-Greece agreement, calling it a key contribution to the stabilisation of Southeast Europe. They briefly discussed the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.