site.btaForeign Minister Mitov Attends Informal EU Foreign Ministers Meeting

Foreign Minister Mitov Attends Informal EU Foreign Ministers Meeting

Riga/Sofia, March 7 (BTA) - Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov took
part in an informal Gymnich meeting of EU foreign ministers in
Riga on March 6-7 under the Latvian EU Presidency. The meeting
highlighted the crisis in Ukraine, EU-Russia relations, recent
developments in Libya, preparations for the Eastern Partnership
Summit, a review of the European Neighbourhood Policy and an
update of the European Security Strategy.

The EU-28 top diplomats made an assessment of the Minsk
agreements. In his speech, Foreign Minister Mitov said that
Bulgaria will back a new round of sanctions against Russia if
proved that Russia violates the ceasefire in Eastern Ukraine.
All 28 top diplomats rallied behind this idea.

The EU foreign ministers reviewed the European Neighbourhood
Policy. Minister Mitov said that Bulgaria supports a more
efficient, visible and result-oriented policy. Noting the
importance of a balance between the East and the South, Mitov
said that the EU should pay more attention to the Black Sea
Region. According to him, energy security, institutional
reforms, migration, mobility and fight against terrorism should
draw more focus as new aspects of mutual interest between
neighbouring countries.

Regarding an update of the European Security Strategy, the EU
foreign ministers were unanimous that the EU should be proactive
in the context of the changing geostrategic environment.
Bulgaria supports a gradual and pragmatic update of the European
Security Strategy which should respond promptly and adequately
to the changing challenges in cooperation with strategic
partners, where sufficient resources and prioritization of
efforts are key.