The meeting focused on the current developments in Belarus and the EU-Turkey relations.

Minister Rau expressed his support for the EU’s multifaceted commitment to support efforts to solve the crisis in Belarus.  - The only way to resolve the conflict is to establish a genuine, constructive dialogue between the authorities and the Belarusian opposition leading to a systemic transformation, -  stressed Minister Rau. He noted that the EU needs to stand firm against possible attempts of intervention made by third countries and welcomed the idea that the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) should get involved in mediation efforts. He also called for support for the Belarusian civil society, in the spirit of the Polish programme “Solidarity with Belarus” and stressed the need to prepare a comprehensive EU offer for Belarus.The ministers expressed political support for the European External Action Service (EEAS) proposals to impose sanctions on people responsible for organising presidential elections as well as using force and repressions against protesters.

 In the context of the EU-Turkey relations, the ministers discussed the announcements of Turkish drillings in the Greek continental shelf and in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Cyprus, as well as violations of Greek airspace. They agreed that the EU needs to give a appropriate response to these developments.  Minister Rau stressed Poland’s solidarity with Cyprus and Greece, and welcomed mediation efforts by High Representative Josep Borrell and the German presidency. He stressed that Turkey remains the EU’s vital partner and ally in NATO, adding that for the EU security it is of key importance to continue this cooperation, regardless of situations that require the EU to take actions to defend its member states.

Minister Rau also held talks with Josep Borrell, EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi, as well as foreign ministers of the Visegrad Group, Germany, Denmark, and Romania.   

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press Office

Photo: MFA DE, TYmon Markowski / Press Office