EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, spoke with the US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, on Friday. They discussed the coronavirus pandemic, and HR/VP Borrell underlined the importance of cooperation and international solidarity. In light of the global dimension of the challenge, and building on the solidity of the transatlantic partnership, the EU and the US have the capacity to contribute significantly to international efforts to tackle the pandemic.

The High Representative underlined the need for international efforts to stem the spread of the pandemic, and to mitigate its impact in the short- and long-term. The High Representative highlighted the need to provide accurate and transparent public information, to address growing concerns about disinformation around the coronavirus. The High Representative and the Secretary of State agreed on the urgent need to step up international cooperation and humanitarian assistance for medical purposes to the most vulnerable countries.

High Representative Borrell and Secretary Pompeo also discussed other recent developments such as the EU Council’s decision to open accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia. Regarding foreign policy and security issues, the EU and the US agreed on the necessity of renewed international efforts to address the crises in Syria and in Libya. They also discussed the situation in Venezuela, in Iran and EU-Turkey relations, as well as support to the peace process in Afghanistan.