Paris, 16 May 2022 (TDI): The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, visited Paris to attend the US-EU Trade and Technology Ministerial Meeting.

This is the second meeting of the Trade and Technology Council between the US and the EU. Previously, they held their first meeting in September 2021.

Moreover, the Secretary of State was accompanied by two other senior US officials. They were Gina Raimondo, the Secretary of the US Department of Commerce, and Ambassador Katherine Tai, the US Trade Representative.

The meeting addressed the commercial and economic challenges of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Issues such as food security were discussed in the meeting.

In addition, they discussed how democratic approaches to trade, technology, and innovation can serve the region’s security and prosperity.

Furthermore, the council reiterated its purpose of enhancing transatlantic economic partnership. Antony Blinken remarked in a tweet about US-EU relations.

“The US-EU relationship stands on a foundation of shared values, including democratic governance, fair competition based on market principles, rule of law, respect for human rights, and inclusive growth. The Trade and Technology Council supports these values.”

Moreover, the EU and the US organized a trade and technology stakeholder meeting as well. Representatives from the business and technology sectors were invited.

Previously, Antony Blinken was in Berlin to meet G7 and NATO allies. Also, Antony Blinken proceeded to meet with the French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. The two officials discussed issues of importance in the bilateral relationship, including global food insecurity.

The Secretary highlighted the Global Food Security Call to Action, which will take place at UN headquarters. Finally, they also talked about efforts to achieve a mutual return to full JCPOA implementation with Iran.

US-EU Cooperation

The United States and the European Union are strategic allies. They enjoy comprehensive and strategic cooperation in all facets of international politics.

Apart from political cooperation, the two entities also maintain good people-to-people, economic, cultural, and technology ties.