(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA))
BRUSSELS, June 15 (KUNA) -- The European Union and the United States Tuesday welcomed the ceasefire in the Middle East and stressed their support for a two-state solution.
A joint statement released after the EU-US summit in Brussels earlier today said "we welcome the ceasefire in the conflict in the Middle East and reaffirm the need for Israelis and Palestinians to enjoy equal measures of freedom, security, prosperity, and democracy on the basis of a two-State solution."
"We plan to join efforts for a stable and secure Middle East and North Africa," it said.
In light of the growing humanitarian needs across Syria and the COVID 19 pandemic, the EU and the US called on the UN Security Council to ensure that humanitarian aid can reach all people in need in Syria, including through cross border and cross line operations.
"We also regret the recent illegitimate elections in Syria and call on the international community to hold the Assad regime accountable for its brutal crimes and to work together to advance a political resolution to the conflict in line with UNSC resolution 2254," it said.
"We reaffirm our commitment to support Libya in its path towards peace, security and stability and to work with parties in Yemen to agree to the UN's proposal for an immediate ceasefire," it said.
The two sides emphasized their support "for the ongoing diplomatic efforts and negotiations in Vienna aimed at facilitating the return of the United States to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as well as the full and effective implementation of the deal by Iran and the United States. We share serious concerns about steps taken by Iran, which are inconsistent with the JCPOA."
"In view of the withdrawal of international troops from Afghanistan, we intend to work closely to support the ongoing peace process and sustain regional stability," it said.
"We resolve to work hand-in-hand for sustainable de-escalation in the Eastern Mediterranean, where differences should be settled through dialogue in good faith and in accordance with international law. We aim for a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with a democratic Turkey," it said.
The EU and the US said they are committed to peace and sustainable development in Africa. "The political, human rights, security and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia, Somalia, and the Sahel countries is of grave concern," it said.
"We share deep concerns about the growing political and ethnic polarization throughout Ethiopia that threatens the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity," it warned.
The statement went on to say that "we intend to closely consult and cooperate on the full range of issues in the framework of our respective similar multi-faceted approaches to China, which include elements of cooperation, competition, and systemic rivalry."
"We intend to continue coordinating on our shared concerns, including ongoing human rights violations in Xinjiang and Tibet; the erosion of autonomy and democratic processes in Hong Kong; economic coercion; disinformation campaigns; and regional security issues," it said.
On Russia the statement said that "we stand united in our principled approach towards Russia and we are ready to respond decisively to its repeating pattern of negative behaviour and harmful activities, which Russia must address to prevent the further deterioration of relations including on the list of so-called unfriendly states. To coordinate our policies and actions we plan to establish an EU-US high-level dialogue on Russia."
"We intend to work together to promote a swift return to democracy in Myanmar," it said.
"We, the leaders of the European Union and the United States, met today to renew our Transatlantic partnership, set a Joint Transatlantic Agenda for the post-pandemic era, and commit to regular dialogue to take stock of progress," it said.
"Together, we intend to end the COVID-19 pandemic, prepare for future global health challenges, and drive forward a sustainable global recovery," it said.
Earlier in a press conference , President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said that "another major step forward is that we will now work together more closely on the big questions on how to reform the WHO. We know that, for the World Health Organisation, a renewed engagement is necessary. "
Referring to the Airbus-Boeing dispute she said "this meeting started with a breakthrough on aircraft. The agreement we have found now really opens a new chapter in our relationship because we move from litigation to cooperation on aircraft, and that after almost 20 years of disputes. It is the longest trade dispute in the history of WTO."
On his part, President of the European Council, Charles Michel, told the joint press conference that "the EU and US share a long history. We shaped much of last century. Now it's time to shape this century."
"We were able to tackle topics related to global and regional security," he said.
US President Joe Biden did not attend the post-summit press conference but left immediately for Geneva where he is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday. (pickup previous)
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