site.btaEU Must Reassess Relations with Partners that Support Russia and Iran, EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kallas Says

The EU must be flexible and able to reassess its relations with partners that support Russia and Iran, EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said on Monday ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council, in its Development configuration.

If the EU wants to be a geopolitical player, it must act more strategically regarding humanitarian aid and trade and incorporate security issues into partner cooperation, she added. The EU must take its own interests into account, Kallas insisted.

She noted that peace talks on Ukraine are at a standstill and Russia must be pressured to return to the negotiating table, especially at a time when it does not appear to be in its strongest position. In her words, China maintains close ties with Russia and has a role to play in convincing Moscow to end the war. Kallas added that Ukraine can expect the first tranche of the EUR 90 billion joint loan in early June.

In her view, it is positive that the US and China share a common understanding of the need to restore free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. China has influence over Iran, hopefully Beijing will talk to Tehran about opening the strait, Kallas said. According to her, a way out of this crisis can be found through negotiations between Iran and the US.