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Undersecretary of State Wojciech Gerwel attends informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Toledo

31.08.2023

In a discussion on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, Deputy Minister Wojciech Gerwel, who attended the meeting on behalf of Minister Zbigniew Rau, stressed that only fair peace can guarantee security for Ukraine and Europe.

High Representative Josep Borrell and José Manuel Albares, Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs of Spain welcome the ministers and delegations before the start of the Informal Meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers at Antigua Fábrica de Armas in Toledo. Spain on 31th August 2023. Pool PEUE/Julio Muñoz

He added that the Ukrainian peace plan, based on the principles of the UN Charter, is a good proposal. However, to take it forward, coordination is needed in dealings with the countries of the Global South, as they remain vulnerable to Russia’s narrative. The coming session of the UN General Assembly will offer an opportunity to do that. Deputy Minister Gerwel also called for expediting the delivery of pledged military support to Ukraine, adopting the 8th tranche of support from the European Peace Facility, and increasing the budget for the training of Ukrainian troops under the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine. He reiterated the call for adopting the 12th round of sanctions against Russia.

During an informal working breakfast with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Undersecretary of State Gerwel emphasised that Ukraine’s prospects for EU membership are an important factor in building Europe’s future security architecture. He expressed hope that the European Commission will appreciate Kyiv’s reform progress and that accession negotiations could start before the end of this year.

In a discussion on Niger and the Sahel, Deputy Minister Gerwel expressed concern about developments in Niger and pointed out that the coup d’état there further aggravates the fragile situation in Africa, directly affecting stability across a wider region, from the Horn of Africa to the Sahel.

During an informal working lunch attended by Niger’s Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massaoudou and Omar Alieu Touray, President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the deputy head of Polish diplomacy stressed that the international community should use all means of exerting pressure to reach a solution that guarantees peace, security, and respect for democracy in Niger through political negotiations. He also expressed hope that the sanctions introduced by ECOWAS will produce tangible results and announced support for the EU’s launch of restrictive measures against those responsible for the coup d’état in Niger.

 

MFA Press Office

Photo: Pool PEUE/Julio Muñoz

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