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EC President: We had very good discussions in virtual format with the leaders of EaP countries

19 June 2020 03:15 (UTC +04:00)

"We had very good discussions in a virtual format with the leaders of the Eastern Partnership countries," said President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen at a press conference after the summit of the leaders of the Eastern Partnership countries in a video conference format, APA reports.

"Yes, having prosperous neighbors is in line with the strategic interests of the EU. Therefore, we strive for close cooperation in this direction and help to form a sustainable and lasting "Eastern Partnership". Speaking of sustainability, we mean economic development, stability, and security. Sustainability, strength is formed when we respect human rights, the rule of law.

The Eastern Partnership has been working in this direction for over 10 years. We are making progress and significant results in this direction. If today you look at the polls conducted in these partner countries, you will see that the EU is the most trusted foreign institution. Ten out of seven citizens of Eastern Partnership countries believe that successful cooperation has been established with the EU," said President of the European Commission.

She noted that at today's meeting the priorities of the Eastern Partnership after 2020 were discussed: “In our cooperation with the leaders of partner countries, we identified five key priorities for the coming years. “We want our cooperation to give an impetus to the economy, the development of direct ties, and, in particular, the determination of the best opportunities for young people.”

“The growing trade turnover with our partners in 2016-2019 is very effective. Bilateral trade between the EU and these 6 partners has grown markedly. For example, in trade with Azerbaijan, there is an increase of up to 55%, in trade with Ukraine up to 50%. We are also seeing a twofold increase in turnover within the region, ”added Ursula von der Leyen.

“We also pay special attention to our partnership to the issues of good governance, the rule of law, the formation of democratic institutions, human rights, gender equality. These are the requirements of all citizens and important values for the EU, ”the official said.

The EU representative noted that digital interconnection is a priority area in cooperation between the countries of the bloc and the Eastern Partnership: “The EU will help its eastern partners in the modernization of technology."

We must also pay attention to climate change, which is why a gardening policy is central to the Eastern Partnership agenda.

The videoconference that took place today has further strengthened the commitment to the Eastern Partnership policy and the position “The EU is even stronger with partners,” she said.