On 7 June 2021, President Michel spoke with President Putin on the phone, European Council website reports.
President Michel conveyed the European Council’s position on EU-Russia relations.
“The EU stands united and in solidarity in face of such acts. The EU-Russia relations are at a low. This situation or its further deterioration is in neither side's interest,” the statement reads.
During the call, the European Council president reiterated the EU's unwavering support to Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The situation in Belarus was also discussed. The president of the European Council reiterated the EU's assessment of the forced landing of the Ryanair flight by the Belarusian authorities and informed of the sanctions imposed by the European Union following the incident.
“The presidents also exchanged views on Libya, the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict as well as on the COVID pandemic, vaccines and other global issues,” the statement reads.
The current situation around Nagorno-Karabakh was discussed, taking into account the importance of further consistent implementation of the November 9, 2020 and January 11, 2021 statements, signed by the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia, Kremlin’s website reports.
Among the priority tasks are the unblocking of economic and transport links in the region, the solution of humanitarian problems of the population. Charles Michel expressed support for the work being done, including those which are done through the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Russia, USA, and France).
