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The United States and the European Union agreed, at the end of the talks in Brussels, to resume the bilateral dialogue on China and to work together to confront the defiant behavior of Russia.
In a joint statement issued by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, the two sides recognized a common understanding that relations with China “are multifaceted and include elements of cooperation, competition and competition in general.. “
Regarding Russia, the statement emphasized coordination to respond to its behavior and encourage it to abandon the confrontational approach.
The two sides emphasized that the nuclear deal with Iran remains an important achievement of multilateral diplomacy, despite the existing difficulties.
On the issue of the Renaissance Dam negotiations, the statement called on all parties to resume negotiations and expressed concern about rising tensions between Sudan and Ethiopia.
In the statement, the two sides highlighted the intensification of cooperation in Afghanistan to advance the peace process and ensure long-term stability.
They also highlighted the existence of a common strategic interest in a stable environment in the eastern Mediterranean and the development of a mutually beneficial cooperative relationship with Turkey.
Within Western positions regarding Turkey: German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that Turkey is sending signals of de-escalation in the eastern Mediterranean. “We hope that Ankara will adhere to human rights standards and the rule of law,” he added.
Peace of mind messages from the United States to Europeans
Washington tried, during its foreign minister’s meetings in Brussels with European officials and their NATO counterparts, to send reassuring messages that showed Washington’s desire to reestablish the alliance with the European Union and coordinate with its partners vis-à-vis Russia and China. without putting pressure on them.
Following his meetings with his NATO counterparts at their headquarters in Brussels, Blinken traveled to meet with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the European Union, Josep Borrell.
Blinken reaffirmed the priority given to the partnership with the European Union and the desire to coordinate to confront Russia and China.
Following Blinken’s meetings in Brussels, US President Joe Biden will deliver a speech Thursday night at the European Union leaders’ summit.
European Union leaders welcomed Washington’s messages, which allay many of their concerns.
Relationship with China
The record of the relationship between the Europeans and China is one of the points of disagreement with the US administration.
In this context, Blinken told his NATO counterparts that Washington considers China a threat to common security, but that it will not force its allies to choose “between the United States and China.”
“We know that our allies have complicated relations with China that will not always coincide with ours,” he added.
Europeans have long been reluctant to get involved in a conflict with Beijing, as former US President Donald Trump wanted.
In late December 2020, the European Union concluded an investment agreement with China, which Germany demanded, but European cooperation with Beijing hit a wall of its refusal to make commitments on forced labor and an end to the persecution of the minority. Uigur.
Relations with Russia
It seems that Washington’s agreement with the European Union on dealing with Russia is easier and less complicated than the record on relations with China.
“As we work with Russia to advance our interests and those of NATO, we also seek to hold Russia accountable for its reckless and contentious actions,” Blinken said.
Similar to the position on China, Washington coordinated sanctions against Russia with the Europeans, following the condemnation of the opposition Alexei Nvalny and the repression of his supporters.
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