Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins invites colleagues, at EU-Russia Summit, to review economic issues, including energy and climate

On 16-17 November, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins took part in the meeting of the European Union General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) in Brussels. A parallel meeting was held by the EU defence and development ministers.

During the General Affairs session, the ministers intend to debate the upcoming European Council meeting of 10-11 December which is to deal with institutional issues, climate change policy, the Stockholm programme in judiciary and home affairs, financial supervision, the Lisbon strategy and foreign policy issues.

The ministers are to debate the sustainable development strategy as well as the Lisbon strategy after the year 2010.

The Council discussed preparations for the EU-Russia summit, to be held in Stockholm on 18 November. The summit is to focus on EU-Russia relations, the global financial and economic crisis, energy issues, climate change, WTO accession, and other international issues. During the discussion, Foreign Minister Riekstins emphasised that the EU Member States should debate the delay with Russia's WTO accession and protectionism measures applied by that country, contrary to Russia's commitments within G-20; the Summit should also look into the settlement of frozen conflicts, including the commitment made by Russia regarding Georgia.

In the context of preparations for the EU-Ukraine Summit, to be held in Kiev on 4 December, the Ministers discussed the progress of consultations on the Association Agreement that will be one of the top agenda points at the Summit. The Summit will also focus on the economic and financial crisis, climate change and energy challenges, domestic policy and the course of reforms in Ukraine, the EU-Ukraine relations, as well as the Eastern Partnership.

The Council discussed EU's policy with regard to Belarus and debated the launching of the visa easement process, as well as extending the suspension of the application of travel restrictions imposed by the EU on certain Belarusian officials. As part of the discussion, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins briefed his European Union colleagues about the results of his recent visit to Belarus.

The Council discussed the ESDP (European Security and Defence Policy) civilian capabilities. The Council reviewed the assignments completed during 2009 and those to be carried out next year for enhancing civilian capabilities under the Civilian Headline Goal 2010.

As part of the meeting of the GAERC development ministers, the Council conclusions were reviewed and approved on the operational framework on aid effectiveness, climate change and development.  

During their joint session, the foreign affairs and defence ministers met with NATO Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, to discuss common challenges and experience in crisis management by the current missions, with a special focus on Afghanistan.

The EU General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting of foreign ministers is held on a monthly basis and is chaired by the foreign minister of the country currently holding the EU Presidency.

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