President Josep Borrell’s meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington on Wednesday highlighted the importance of strengthening the partnership between the EU and US during a critical juncture in global diplomacy.
The discussions between Borrell and Blinken encompassed a range of pressing international issues, including the situations in the Middle East, Ukraine, Haiti, and Venezuela, as well as shared foreign and security priorities.
The situation in Ukraine was a key focus of the meeting, with Borrell emphasizing the urgent need for increased and sustained military assistance to Ukraine.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and EU HR (Credits: U.S. Mission to the European)
He commended the US for its recent decision to provide additional military aid and underscored the significance of maintaining a strong transatlantic bond in ensuring Ukraine’s success. The leaders also discussed efforts to advance a just and lasting peace, including initiatives such as Ukraine’s Peace Formula.
Borrell reaffirmed the EU’s steadfast commitment to providing long-term support to Ukraine, with a total of EUR 138 billion, and updated Blinken on the latest developments regarding Ukraine’s EU accession process.
Blinken (Credits: The Times of Israel)
The situation in Gaza was another topic of discussion, with Borrell emphasizing the importance of achieving a durable ceasefire and securing the release of all hostages. He stressed the urgent need for unhindered humanitarian access, mainly through land-based crossings.
Borrell informed Blinken of the EU’s decision to resume funding to UNRWA and exchanged views on shared efforts to lay the groundwork for a lasting peace in the Middle East through a two-state solution.
The partners also exchanged views on efforts to prevent regional escalation, highlighting the close cooperation between the EU and the US to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.
Additionally, Borrell and Blinken addressed the situations in Haiti and Venezuela, expressing their strong commitment to supporting political processes to restore stability and democratic reconciliation in both countries.
