Mogherini and Kerry discuss foreign policy priorities - Main contents

Source: European External Action Service (EEAS) i, published on Thursday, December 4 2014.

EU High Representative Federica Mogherini i and US Secretary of State John Kerry i met in Brussels on 3 December to discuss their foreign policy priorities. They also chaired the EU-US Energy Council, a key forum for boosting EU-US cooperation on energy, together with Vice President for the EU Energy Union, Maroš Šefčovič i, and EU Energy Commissioner Miguel Arias Cañete i.

EU High Representative Federica Mogherini welcomed US Secretary of State John Kerry for their first bilateral meeting in Brussels. Mogherini and Kerry discussed the situation in Syria and Iraq, the fight against Daesh as well as efforts to stabilise the region. The situation in Libya, which HR/VP Mogherini called "extremely worrying" also featured prominently in their talks. During the Brussels meeting both sides stressed the importance of advancing the Middle East Peace Process. "We are more than ready to contribute to this" Mogherini said in a press conference following the meeting.Their discussions focused even on Ukraine

, the latest EU measures taken, as well as on steps to ensure the full implementation of the Minsk agreement. The EU High Representative also spoke about the ongoing negotiations on a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). "This is a strategic goal. We are ready to work together on this", she said.

The two leaders chaired the EU Energy Council together with Vice President for the EU Energy Union, Maroš Šefčovič, and EU Energy Commissioner Miguel Arias Cañete. The Energy Council, a key forum on EU-U.S. energy priorities, promotes transparent and secure global energy markets, fosters cooperation on efficient and sustainable energy use, and pursues joint research and development on clean energy technologies. This boosts economic growth and jobs, enhances energy security and international cooperation, and highlights the importance and urgency of tackling global energy and climate challenges. Discussions at the Council focused on Ukraine and Energy Security and are summarized in the joint EU-US statement.