At the start of the meeting, the European diplomatic chiefs held a video conference with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Together they focused on three geopolitical topics: the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and China and the Indo-Pacific.

“The time to help Ukraine is now. I called on EU partners to make further contributions to the Czech ammunition initiative. We decided to establish the Ukraine Assistance Fund, which is a key financial instrument for the continuation of EU military support to Ukraine. I discussed with my partners also the preparation of the 14th package of sanctions against Russia, including the Czech proposal to restrict the movement of Russian diplomats and their family members outside the EU countries where they are accredited,“ said Minister Lipavský.

In the context of the illegitimate parliamentary and local elections held in Belarus on 25 February, the participants agreed on the need to support the democratic opposition there. The Lukashenko regime is increasing repression of critics and is complicit in Russian aggression against Ukraine. Foreign ministers therefore discussed the EU’s policy priorities towards Belarus, including the adoption of further sanctions against the regime. Minister Lipavský recalled the support Cezchia provides to persecuted Belarusians, independent media and the democratic opposition.

During the discussion on the situation in the Middle East, the ministers focused on the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. “As part of efforts to improve the situation, Czechia plans to make a further contribution to the World Food Programme for acute food aid in Gaza,“ mentioned Lipavský. Minister Lipavský stressed Israel’s right to self-defence, which is in line with international law. Czechia supports the adoption of new sanctions against Palestinian terrorist groups. With regard to the sanctions, Minister Lipavský praised the agreement on the separation and gradual adoption of sanctions, first against Hamas and then against violent Israeli settlers.

On current affairs, the ministers discussed Armenia and Azerbaijan, Niger and the situation in Haiti. Czechia supports the deepening of relations between Armenia and the EU, as well as the EU’s role as a facilitator of the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Source