Ministers discussed the wider context of the situation in Syria and Turkey and relations with Russia - Main contents

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Gordan Grlić Radman hosted an Informal Meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers today. The meeting took place in Lužnica Castle.

The ministers discussed EU relations with Russia and Turkey, including how to improve them.

With regard to Russia, they were discussing about the challenges in relations with Russia but also about the possible ways to deepen cooperation in areas where there is a common EU interest, such as climate change and energy. The five principles remain a platform for engagement, as well as sanctions, directly linked to the full implementation of the Minsk Agreements. Russia is an actor in matters and regions that are important for the EU and will work more actively on engagement in Syria, Libya, Ukraine and the Arctic.

With regard to Turkey, relations over the past few years have deteriorated significantly and it is essential to discuss the way forward. The EU cannot accept encouraging migration pressure at its external border. It recognises, however, Turkey's enormous efforts to take care of four million refugees and the challenges it faces.

“Today's informal discussion in Lužnica Castle and tomorrow’s Council in Zagreb come at the appropriate time. This means the European Union is responding promptly to all challenges. Today we had a fruitful discussion on the current topics, including the developments in Syria, increasing refugee and migration pressure on our external borders, and relations with Russia and Turkey. We express our support to and solidarity with Greece, Bulgaria and Cyprus. We appreciate their efforts in protecting our external borders.”

Gordan Grlić Radman, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia

During the extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Relations Council, which will take place in Zagreb on 6 March, will discuss the developments in Syria and Turkey more closely.