United States: High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell met Secretary of State Antony Blinken

23.09.2021
New York

High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell met with United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, in the margins of the General Assembly of the United Nations (UNGA) in New York on Wednesday. The meeting was an opportunity to discuss issues related to the transatlantic agenda and pressing international developments.

They welcomed the joint statement by President Biden and French President Macron, which followed the recent announcement of a security partnership by the US, United Kingdom and Australia and the cancellation of an Australian submarine contract with France. This statement contributes to clarify the situation. Building on it and on today’s meeting between the HR/VP and the Secretary of State, the EU and the US will work on practical steps to deepen dialogue and cooperation.

Both reaffirmed the strong alliance between the United States and the EU. They committed to deepen their engagement in addressing global challenges, including stability in the Indo-Pacific region. They underlined the relevance of EU defence efforts, which will also contribute to a stronger NATO. In this regard, the High Representative recalled the need to launch a comprehensive structured dialogue on security and defence.

High Representative/Vice-President Borrell and Secretary of State Blinken touched on other key issues of common concern, including Afghanistan and Iran, as well as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue. The High Representative/Vice-President referred to his cooperation with neighbours of Afghanistan and to the benchmarks that will determine the level of EU engagement with the Taliban. He underlined the EU’s continued commitment to the people of Afghanistan and expressed concern over the humanitarian and economic situation in the country. 

As regards the JCPOA, the High Representative stressed the need for discussions to resume in Vienna. The JCPOA remains a key instrument for global non-proliferation, peace in the region and for international security, but time to return to its implementation is not indefinite, if we want to ensure it delivers fully.

The High Representative and the Secretary of State agreed to continue their discussions in the coming weeks. The EU and the US are unique partners in addressing global challenges. Their closer cooperation, based on shared values, will contribute to international peace and security.

Peter Stano
Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
+32 (0)460 75 45 53
Paloma Hall Caballero
Press Officer for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
+32 (0)2 296 85 60
+32 (0)460 76 85 60