Miroslav Lajčák on developments in Syria: humanitarian aid and political process are our priorities
Brussels (12 December) - The meeting of the European foreign affairs ministers (FAC) held in Brussels was dominated by the latest developments in Syria. Slovakia was represented by its Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Miroslav Lajčák.
‘The European Union sees itself mainly as a political player and together we emphasise the need for a negotiated solution,’ said minister Lajčák. ‘Another crucial role is in providing humanitarian aid and making efforts to deliver it where it is needed.’
In this connection, Slovakia will send a humanitarian relief convoy to Syria on 14 December. The aid, totalling EUR 127 000, is intended for inhabitants of Aleppo who are particularly affected by the continued armed conflict.
Ministers also discussed external aspects of migration, focusing on an assessment of the implementation of the partnership framework, i.e. of the 'migration compacts' with five priority African countries, namely Senegal, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Ethiopia.
‘The discussion has shown that migration compacts represent a useful tool. They will allow us to solve the problem of migration at the source, rather than simply dealing with its consequences,’ summarised the head of Slovak diplomacy.
The FAC Council also dealt with the strategic relationship with Africa, especially in light of the EU-Africa Summit which is to be held in November 2017. Ministers also discussed the latest developments in the political and security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, focusing on finding possible ways to stabilise the situation in cooperation with regional and international actors. At the same time, the Council adopted conclusions on South Sudan and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
A turning point in relations between the EU and Cuba
In the margins of the FAC meeting, the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Cuba, of the other, was signed. Mr Lajčák signed it on behalf of Slovakia.
In this context, he said: ‘This is a very important agreement because it significantly changes the EU's policy towards Cuba and abolishes the 1996 common position restricting political and economic contacts.’
According to Mr Lajčák, Slovakia supported the signing of the agreement during the Slovak Presidency. ‘Formally, it opens the way for normal communication and cooperation. This is a turning point in mutual relations.’
Tuesday GAC Council confirms enlargement policy as strong priority for the Presidency
On Tuesday 13 December, Minister Miroslav Lajčák will chair the meeting of the General Affairs Council (GAC), which will be dominated by the topic of enlargement. The meeting will be followed by the intergovernmental conference with Serbia and subsequently with Montenegro.
‘We have managed to prove in practice that this is our priority,’ said Mr Lajčák. ‘For example, in July we had opened two negotiation chapters with Serbia and tomorrow we will open further chapters. All in all, we have achieved practical progress with every country which is part of the accession process and we have provided a reminder of the importance of the enlargement policy.’
At the final GAC meeting under the baton of Slovakia, Mr Lajčák will symbolically hand over the Presidency in the field of European policies to Malta.