Minister Ivan Kondov took part in the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels
22 May 2023 News
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria Ivan Kondov took part in the ordinary meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) held on 22 May 2023 in Brussels. Within the framework of the FAC, topical issues on the EU agenda were discussed, including the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the Horn of Africa, Central Asia, Tunisia, the OSCE Chairmanship in 2024, etc. The EU foreign ministers also held an informal lunch with the foreign ministers of the six Western Balkan countries, as well as a discussion with the EU Special Envoy for the Implementation of Sanctions, David O'Sullivan.
During his participation, Minister Ivan Kondov stressed the need for continued support for Ukraine, including for its citizens seeking asylum from Russian military aggression. President Zelensky's ‘Formula for Peace’ initiative has an important role to play in this regard, as does the continuation of efforts under the UN Black Sea Grains Initiative and the Solidarity Corridors.
The informal lunch with the foreign ministers of the six Western Balkan countries was devoted to the EU’s cooperation with the region on the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, including its support to strengthen the resilience and security of the countries of the region, their capacity to address hybrid and cyber threats, disinformation and unwanted foreign influence and interference in the current complex geopolitical context, the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, organised crime and illegal migration.
In his speech, Minister Ivan Kondov reiterated the high priority for Bulgaria and the strategic importance for the EU as a whole of the security of the Western Balkans, the need to continue supporting the countries on their path of European integration and the reforms underway, including progress based on their own merits, respect for the fundamental values of the Union and good neighbourly relations. In this context, the Bulgarian first diplomat stressed that unilateral provocative actions, state-sponsored rhetoric of hatred, violations of human rights, the right to association and the right to a fair trial in cases of their violation have no place among the shared values of our European family. Minister Kondov also informed his colleagues from the EU Member States that there are lists of Bulgarian citizens, including Members of the European Parliament, who are not allowed to enter the territory of the Republic of North Macedonia.
After the Foreign Affairs Council, a high-level public event was held on the occasion of the adoption of the new Pact to strengthen the civilian dimension of the EU Common Security and Defence Policy.
More photos
