Austria: Readout of the Foreign Secretary’s meeting with Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg

The ministers agreed to continue close cooperation with the Western Balkans, to assist in tackling serious and organised crime and to promote stability in the region. They reiterated their shared support for the region’s Euro-Atlantic integration and for EU-facilitated Dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo, and noted the importance of supporting media freedom in the Western Balkans.

They discussed the challenge posed by Russian malign activity and the importance of a robust international response, pledging to work together closely.

They noted the strategic challenge posed by China, agreeing the importance of holding China to its international obligations, whilst also securing its engagement on key global challenges such as climate change.

On climate, the Foreign Secretary and Foreign Minister discussed the importance of climate finance in delivering a successful COP26 and tackling climate change.