site.btaDeputy Minister Kondov Participates in EU Foreign Affairs Council Meeting in Brussels

Deputy Foreign Minister Ivan Kondov participated Monday in the regular monthly meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, which took place in Brussels. The main topics discussed were the Russian military aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

"Support and solidarity for Ukraine in its fight against the brutal Russian aggression remains a strategic priority, and the EU's joint efforts in this regard should continue," Kondov said in his speech. He highlighted the need to provide additional assistance to Ukraine in line with its evolving needs and expressed support for the upcoming Peace Summit in Switzerland based on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Peace Formula. This is essentially a ten-point conceptual plan aimed at ending the war and achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, the basis of which is the preservation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.

EU foreign ministers also discussed the situation in the Middle East.  The focus of the discussion was on joint efforts to address the humanitarian situation and to resume the political process towards a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict.

"We appreciate the cooperation with our Arab partners, which takes on added significance in the efforts to prevent regional escalation and to outline a possible political horizon for a two-state solution to the conflict when the conditions are right and on the basis of an inclusive approach," the Bulgarian Deputy Foreign Minister underscored. Bulgaria is deeply concerned about the deteriorating security environment in the region, which calls for urgent steps towards de-escalation, he added. It is necessary to immediately and unconditionally release the hostages and urgently address the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza by ensuring unimpeded access of humanitarian aid to those in need. 

The Council also discussed the complex political situation in Georgia following the adoption of the controversial "transparency of foreign influence" law. 

Later in the day, Kondov represented Bulgaria at the VIII Donors' Conference on Syria. The humanitarian crisis in Syria remains severe, with 16.7 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in 2024. The macroeconomic situation continues to deteriorate and 90% of Syrians live below the poverty line. The health and education systems are collapsing, there are shortages of clean drinking water, food insecurity, epidemics and serious human rights violations, with women and girls disproportionately affected by various forms of violence. The commitment of the EU and the international community to continue supporting the Syrian people has been renewed, the Bulgarian Foreign Minister said.