Coronavirus and regional security: UK statement on Foreign Ministers’ meeting

The Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab hosted a meeting with the Foreign Ministers of Turkey, France, and Germany on Monday (18 May). They discussed cooperation on shared challenges faced by all our countries, both from COVID-19 and wider security issues.

Ministers agreed on the importance of international cooperation in the global fight against COVID, particularly in the search for a vaccine and supporting vulnerable countries and groups.

Ministers all agreed that in Syria the priority must be to progress from ceasefire to long term political resolution, and to support the delivery of aid to Syrians, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 crisis.

Ministers were in strong agreement on the importance of continued coalition presence in Iraq, to avoid a resurgence by Da’esh.

On Libya, Ministers affirmed the need to renew the ceasefire, and to return to the parameters process outlined at the Berlin Conference.

Ministers also agreed that, as NATO allies, we must continue to maintain deterrence and unity through the challenges thrown up by COVID-19.

Further information