Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers of 17 October: Conclusions

Ukraine

At their meeting in Luxembourg, the EU Foreign Ministers discussed the situation in Ukraine in the presence of their Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba, who took part in some of the discussion via video conference from an underground shelter in Kyiv. Foreign Minister Lahbib: "Belgium is determined to continue supporting Ukraine. We agree to release further funds for military support for Ukraine through the European Peace Facility (EPF). The EU will also train and educate some 15,000 Ukrainian soldiers here in Europe, which we fully support."

Iran

The Council also discussed the human rights situation in Iran, which Belgium is following closely, including the consequences of the fire and violence that occurred in Evin prison over the weekend. Our country continues to demand the release of our unjustly detained compatriot. Belgium also continues to support the Iranian people in their demand to have their fundamental rights guaranteed. Minister Lahbib: "The repression and murderous violence by the Iranian security forces - from Tehran to Sanandaj - is unacceptable. This is why Belgium, along with other EU countries, has taken the initiative to propose that the European Union sanctions the Iranian security officials involved in the crackdown."

China

The relationship between the EU and China was also discussed in light of China's growing assertiveness on the international stage and its position vis-à-vis the Russian regime. "China must abandon its ambiguous position on the war in Ukraine and face its responsibilities for the Russian regime committing atrocities in Ukraine. The pursuit of power must go hand in hand with taking responsibility," said Minister Lahbib.

The Minister also expressed regret that it was impossible to adopt a decision in the Human Rights Council to discuss the report on Xinjiang and asked the Council to consider the follow-up to this report at the European level.

For Belgium, greater priority should be given to diversifying our partnerships and investing in key sectors with the goal of reducing our dependence on China as soon as possible.

Ethiopia

The resurgence of violence, the dramatic humanitarian situation and the significantly worsened security situation are very worrying developments, with fear of a spillover into the region. Minister Lahbib: "The EU must find ways to bridge the gap between Sudan, Ethiopia and Eritrea and prevent a regional spread, which could increase suffering and extend it to millions of men, women and children. It could also lead to a resurgence of extremism - with direct and very harmful consequences for the region and, by extension, for the European Union." Our country also reiterated its plea for the "responsibility to protect" that each government has towards its own population, with the knowledge that the international community has the duty to act if the former fails in this task. Only an inclusive and mediated dialogue can offer a way out of this conflict.