State Secretary Zdravka Bušić participated on Friday in a video conference of EU foreign ministers on China and COVID-19 impact in Asia and the Pacific.
The ministers emphasized further development of relations with China in light of the 45th anniversary of EU-China diplomatic ties, the COVID-19 pandemic, and goals of the upcoming summits in June and September. They agreed that the pandemic had slowed down activities in the relations and that China should step up efforts in the period ahead to achieve progress in a number of areas, including trade, competition and market openness. In that regard, it is crucial to ensure equal opportunities and reciprocity for European companies on the Chinese market. Additional areas of interest include climate change and connectivity, and in terms of foreign policy the Korean Peninsula, Afghanistan, Iran, Africa, non-proliferation and disarmament. The ministers exchanged views on the current situation in Hong Kong and adopted a joint statement.
Also discussed was the social and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the wider Asia and Pacific area, which has escalated the negative trends in the region. The EU will continue to support relations and strategic partnerships with these countries, building on the Team Europe package.
In the opening part of the conference, the ministers underscored support for the peace process in Afghanistan, on which the Council had adopted conclusions.