Foreign Ministers of the European Union member states came together for an informal meeting in Brussels, the capital of Belgium. At the meeting held at the Egmont Palace of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the Belgian Presidency, Africa, Gaza, Ukraine, the support provided to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and relations with Turkey were discussed. Following the meeting, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hadja Lahbib held a joint press conference.
“UKRAINE’S SECURITY IS IMPORTANT FOR THE SECURITY OF THE REST OF THE CONTINENT”
Stating that they discussed the African continent in terms of its geopolitical characteristics at the meeting, Borrell said that they will support African partners. Borrell said that they are determined to cooperate closely with Africa.
Stating that they are in unity to provide military aid regarding Ukraine, Borrell said, “Ukraine’s security is important not only for itself, but for the security and stability of the rest of the continent. “Our decision to support this country will be finalized in the coming days,” he said.
EU WILL NOT CUT AID TO UNRWA!
Stating that there was an active meeting on Gaza, Borrell said that EU countries have different attitudes towards the situation in Gaza and the region, but the humanitarian situation there is catastrophic. Borrell said, “The disaster of the humanitarian situation here is not due to a natural disaster or an earthquake. On the contrary, it is the result of the war. This war dragged thousands of people to the south, but now the south is being bombed. The humanitarian situation on the ground is tragic, but it is man-made. Member states welcomed UNRWA’s opening of an investigation against some personnel. “We are waiting for the investigation to be concluded,” he said.
Noting that he will meet with the head of the agency, Borrell said, “This issue will be discussed at the Development Council. Let me say one thing clearly. The EU and the EU Commission will not cut support payments to this agency. For a few days, there have been news like ‘everyone will cut aid’. But Spain did not cut it. France.” “It did not cut it. Some countries cut it, but their numbers are small. Some took precautions. But the EU did not cut its payments,” he said.
“IT IS A VERY IMPORTANT AGENCY THAT PROVIDES AID TO REFUGEES”
Stating that the next payment will be made at the end of the month, Borrell said, “This agency is a very important agency that delivers aid to Palestinian refugees. It feeds 2 million people not only in Gaza but also in many other places, provides 30 thousand health services and education to 400 thousand children daily. Who can replace this institution? Some countries decide to increase aid rather than cut it. Support for the Palestinian people must continue. We’re talking about millions of people. “I will meet with the head of the agency, Philippe Lazzarini,” he said.
“WE DISCUSSED OUR RELATIONS WITH Türkiye AGAIN”
Stating that EU foreign ministers also discussed the issue of relations with Turkey, Borrell said: “After a long wait, we discussed our relations with Turkey again. I believe that we should call for closer relations between the EU and Türkiye. We must overcome all kinds of confrontation, revive cooperation, turn to the Turkish side, talk about the Cyprus issue, develop cooperation in the field of foreign policy, in short, we must begin to improve relations with Turkey. “We need to develop the areas where we have common interests and reduce the issues that divide us,” he said.
When asked if there were any developments regarding visa liberalization, Borrell said that such details were not discussed, but Turkey’s approach on these issues would be decisive.
“TURKEY HAS BECOME A MORE INDISPENSABLE PARTNER”
EU Term President and host Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib said that Belgium reiterated its support for the two-state solution on Israel and Palestine. He said that although there are very different views on Gaza among EU member states, the different views are closer to the center and an agreement must be reached to improve the humanitarian situation. He said that Europe will continue to support Ukraine and that European security will be emphasized by focusing on the defense industry in the long term.
Stating that they discussed the issue of Turkey at the meeting, Lahbib said, “Turkey has become an increasingly indispensable partner. They made very important contributions in roles such as the Black Sea, the grain agreement, and mediation with Russia. “However, we want to hold meetings in the very near future to discuss issues such as the rule of law, democracy, independence of the judiciary and the Cyprus issue with some EU member states,” he said.
(UAV)
