Brussels - The delegation headed by EU Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton expects to discuss political and security issues and to affirm concern over the humanitarian situation in eastern Ukraine at the Customs Union-Ukraine summit in Minsk on Aug. 26, the European External Action Service (EEAS) said in a statement released in Brussels.
Ashton, European Commissioner Vice President and European Energy Commissioner Gunther Oettinger, and member of the European Commission for Trade Karel De Gucht will represent the EU in Minsk, the EEAS said.
The EU representatives expect a discussion with Russia and Ukraine, which will pursue the goal of creating a new political impetus to search for a reliable political solution for the situation in Ukraine, Brussels said.
The EU intends to exchange opinions with Russia and Ukraine on the implementation of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, including the deep and comprehensive trade agreement, and to explain once again why this agreement is a positive factor for the entire region. Karel De Gucht will be the one to present argument on this topic.
At the same time, the EU delegation also plans to prepare the resumption of trilateral energy talks in Sept. Their purpose remains to find a solution to the gas dispute amid the mediation of the European Commission and in accordance with the conclusions of the Council of the European Union of Aug. 15. Oettinger will play an active role in these discussions.
