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Taking into account the terrorist attack in Bamako, the capital of Mali, that claimed the lives of five people, including EU nationals, one of whom was a Security Officer of the EU’s Delegation to Mali, the EU High Representative and EU Foreign Ministers conveyed condolences to the families and friends of the victims and condemned such actions. The Foreign Minister of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, emphasised that the EU should continue its efforts in support of stability in Mali.
The Ministers devoted special attention to the developments in Ukraine and the relations between the EU and Russia. As a Foreign Minister of the country presiding over the Council of the EU, Edgars Rinkēvičs emphasised the importance of the European Union standing united on these matters today and in times ahead.
The Ministers confirmed the necessity for immediate implementation of the Minsk Agreement and the understanding among the EU Member States that OSCE capacity must be strengthened in monitoring of the Minsk Agreement. At the same time, the EU was ready to tighten sanctions against Russia, should the situation in the east Ukraine deteriorate. The Latvian Foreign Minister and the EU High Representative acknowledged that the situation has considerably improved since 12 February – with the withdrawal of heavy weapons and decrease in the intensity of shelling; however, the EU is also aware that the ceasefire in Ukraine is still fragile.
The EU expressed preparedness to continue supporting Ukraine not only in financial terms but also with coordinated assistance in the implementation of reforms.
The meeting also addressed developments in Europe's southern neighbourhood, especially in Libya. Minister Rinkēvičs pointed out that these are very important security questions that affect all EU Member States. He also expressed satisfaction over a common understanding among the Member States on further steps for support of political processes in Libya. The issue of the EU's relations with its southern neighbours will be on the agenda of the EU’s meeting in Barcelona on 13 April.
The Latvian Foreign Minister also spoke of balanced support for southern and eastern neighbours. The EU supports an individualised and differentiated approach to cooperation with each of these countries.
Edgars Rinkēvičs added that this Gymnich meeting provided good ideas and impetus for the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels. The informal Gymnich meeting is a traditional gathering of foreign ministers of the European Union, organised by the Presidency. No binding decisions are adopted during Gymnich meetings. They provide an opportunity for ministers to air and discuss issues of current importance in an informal atmosphere.
Review of the Informal Meeting of Ministers for Foreign Affairs:
