Linkevičius stresses that EU-Russia cooperation cannot be seen separately from Russian actions in Ukraine
On 14 March, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius attended the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, which focused on issues related to Iran, Russia, Libya, and the Middle East Peace Process.
“The EU-Russia relations cannot be seen separately from Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, the implementation of the Minsk accords, Savchenko trial or Russian actions in Syria. There is nothing new on this front and no opportunities for a new modus operandi. We must remain faithful to our values and principles,” said Linkevičius.
The Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy Johannes Hahn took part in a discussion on the state of play of the EU-Russia relations that was the main issue on the Council’s agenda. The Ministers were briefed about suspended and remaining contacts with Russia. The discussion reached unanimity on the guiding principles of the European Union’s policy towards Russia.
Linkevičius called for the release of the Ukrainian fighter pilot Nadiya Savchenko. Lithuania’s Foreign Minister also called on Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, to submit a report on the implementation of the Joint Declaration of the Eastern Partnership Summit in Riga during the next meeting. The Ministers agreed that the EU’s unity must be maintained.
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Photo/The Council of the European Union: Linkevičius and Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy Johannes Hahn (right).
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