Today, the Minister of Foreign Affairs is taking part in the regular meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels. Among the main topics on the agenda of the meeting were the situation in the Western Balkans, Belarus, the Sahel region, the conflict in Ethiopia, the situation in Sudan, the disregard for international law in Varosha.
“The situation in the Western Balkans region is worrying. In recent months, we have seen rising tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, between Kosovo and Serbia, and there is political instability in the Republic of Northern Macedonia. The EU must use all available instruments to support the domestic political dialogue in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the normal functioning of the institutions”, the Bulgarian Foreign Minister said in a statement. Emphasis was also placed on the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and the domestic political situation in the Republic of Northern Macedonia.
Minister Stoev referred to the recent contribution of our country, containing proposals for strengthening cooperation with the Western Balkans in various areas of mutual interest, including security, hybrid threats, strategic communication, illegal migration and others.
“European integration is a two-way street that requires commitment not only from the EU, but also from partner countries. They must adhere to European values, including good neighbourly relations and respect for human rights”, the Bulgarian top diplomat stressed.
The Council discussed the situation in Belarus and unanimously condemned the actions of the regime in Minsk and the hybrid actions against Poland, Lithuania and Latvia. There is political agreement to adopt a new package of sanctions against the regime in Minsk and the participants in actions related to the current escalation of illegal migration. “The current escalation of tensions along the borders of Poland, Lithuania and Latvia with Belarus is absolutely unacceptable. The border of these countries is also a European border. Bulgaria reaffirms its full solidarity with our friends at this difficult time. The behaviour of Belarus requires from us a clear, firm and general response, which should include a new round of sanctions against the regime in Minsk”, Minister Svetlan Stoev said.
Ministers discussed the situation in the Sahel region, which remains extremely complex and volatile. They agreed on the need to implement various instruments for political stabilization, security and economic recovery in the region. The conflicts in Ethiopia and Sudan were also discussed.
High Representative Josep Borrell reported on his visit to Peru and Brazil in early November, 2021. The Council also discussed the situation regarding Varosha.
