Brussels, 23 November 2022
On November 24, High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell will travel to Barcelona to co-chair the 7th Regional Forum of the Union for Mediterranean (UfM) and the 4th European Union-Southern Neighbourhood Ministerial Meeting. Both events are occasions for the EU to enhance regional cooperation with the Mediterranean countries, to promote integration and interconnection, and to develop new opportunities and perspectives for both sides of the partnership and for the countries of the region.
In the morning, between 9:00 and 12:30, the HR/VP will co-chair the UfM Regional Forum, together with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Jordan Ayman Hussein Safadi. The Forum will be attended by the Foreign Affairs Ministers and representatives of the 42 UfM Member States and is hosted by José Manuel Albares Bueno, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain.
HR/VP Borrell will give his opening remarks at 9:00 am and speak at the press conference afterwards at 12:30 pm.
In the afternoon, from 14:00 until 17:30, the HR/VP will chair the European Union-Southern Neighbourhood Ministerial Meeting, which will focus on the global consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as well as on various topics and areas of mutual interest to deepen cooperation. The meeting brings together Ministers of Foreign Affairs and representatives of the EU and the Southern Neighbourhood and will be hosted by José Manuel Albares Bueno, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain.
The EU’s cooperation and partnership with its Southern neighbours is of particular importance to face the global consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine and to work on numerous topics of relevance for both sides, such as socio-economic issues, the fight against climate change and energy policy, and migrations issues. Both meetings offer the opportunity to deepen cooperation and further engagement between the EU and the countries of the Southern Neighbourhood.
The High Representative’s opening remarks at the UfM and the press conference will be broadcasted on EbS. Follow also @JosepBorrellF and @eu_eeas for further information.
Source – EEAS