Russia: High Representative Josep Borrell spoke with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell held a video conference with the Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday 16 June. They discussed EU-Russia bilateral relations as well as a range of pressing regional and international issues.
The High Representative/Vice President stressed that the coronavirus response requires international cooperation and solidarity, particularly as regards diagnostics, treatments and a vaccine, as well as assistance to vulnerable populations.
High Representative/Vice-President Borrell and Foreign Minister Lavrov agreed that the preservation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (the Iran nuclear deal) remains a top priority. The High Representative stressed that unity among the remaining participants is crucial to continue the work to address both nuclear and sanctions related issues and go back to a full implementation of the deal.
Read also
Ukraine was also discussed. High Representative Borrell encouraged Russia to make further progress in the implementation of the Minsk agreements.
High Representative Borrell conveyed his hope that Foreign Minister Lavrov will participate in the fourth Brussels Conference on Supporting the future of Syria and the region on 30 June, which aims at rallying the international community around full and concrete support for a UN-brokered political solution in line with UNSC Resolution 2254, as well as sustained financial support in addressing the Syria crisis. Russia has a particular responsibility to push for a total ceasefire and the resumption of political talks under UN auspices.
On Libya, High Representative Borrell reiterated the need for all parties to swiftly agree on a ceasefire agreement in the 5+5 framework. In parallel, the parties, backed by their supporters, must engage constructively in all strands of the UN-led intra-Libyan dialogue in order to pave the way for a comprehensive political agreement in accordance with the parameters agreed upon in Berlin.
European Union
