Brussels, 15 November 2021 (TDI): Today the Romanian diplomat & Foreign Minister, Bogdan Aurescu, took part in the EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs meeting which was chaired by Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, and Security Policy in Brussels.
EU Foreign Ministers discussed the current issues and took stock of the recent developments in the Western Balkans, followed by a debrief on the situation in the Sahel.
On #Belarus, I expressed during #FAC today our solidarity w/🇪🇺MS -PL, LT, LV- affected by t/humanitarian crisis triggered by Minsk regime. RO🇷🇴 supports a swift adoption of sanctions targeting those responsible for t/current situation. @RauZbigniew @GLandsbergis @edgarsrinkevics pic.twitter.com/hObfFoMXcI
— Bogdan Aurescu (@BogdanAurescu) November 15, 2021
Minister Bogdan Aurescu reiterated during the EAC talks on the Western Balkans that he supports the Republic of Northern Macedonia in completing its accession negotiations to the EU.
He highlighted the fact that pandemic had increased the difficulties and referred to the influence of other countries in the region. Therefore, there’s the need for the region to align partners in Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP).
Minister Bogdan’s Concern over countries
Moreover, he discussed the Sahel situation and expressed concern over the security situation, and stressed the need to combat terrorism. So in this context, he reiterated Romania’s and its European counterparts’ commitment to stability, security, and prosperity within the region.
During #FAC 2day, on #Sahel I reiterated 🇷🇴concern on t/security situation &underlined importance of fighting terrorism to contain an arch of instability from Atlantic 2 Red Sea. RO contributes 2 military&civilian efforts &supports sanctions in case of agreement Mali-Wagner Group
— Bogdan Aurescu (@BogdanAurescu) November 15, 2021
He also emphasized Romania’s decision to join the Takuba Task Force, and its growing presence in EUTM Mali starting in 2022. Minister Aurescu also recalled the significant contributions Romania made to education, especially for scholarships.
Furthermore, Minister Aurescu also reaffirmed Ukraine’s territorial integrity and highlighted the need to strengthen its resilience by implementing sustained reforms. Bogdan Aurescu expressed support to Ukraine’s European integration objectives in the forthcoming Eastern Partnership Summit scheduled for December 2021.
Regarding the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Minister expressed concern about maintaining a strong diplomatic effort, including through continued EU-US cooperation.
During t/#FAC today, on #WesternBalkans, I pleaded for consolidated EU political engagement & credible enlargement policy. I underlined t/importance of our partners’ resillience & need for full alignment on #CFSP decisions.Need to counter t/deterioration of t/situation in BiH🇧🇦
— Bogdan Aurescu (@BogdanAurescu) November 15, 2021
He also highlighted several concrete proposals for strengthening the EU’s involvement in the region. It created the proposals to increase political dialogue at all levels and strengthen the resilience of partners.
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