" We
strongly condemn the atrocious terrorist attacks in Paris and stand united in
solidarity with France. We are determined to defend our common freedoms
and values and we are jointly committed to drive the counter-terrorism
agenda, including in the G20.
We
agreed today to deepen the EU-Australia relationship which is rooted in our
common interests, values and heritage.
We
welcomed the finalisation of the negotiations of the EU-Australia Framework
Agreement and committed to pursue its full and swift implementation. We
agreed that the recent EU-Australia Framework Participation Agreement on
Crisis Management is an important component of our growing Security and
Defence relations.
We
agreed to commence work toward the launch of negotiations for a Free Trade
Agreement. We believe that a FTA will support sustainable growth and
investment, open up new commercial opportunities and promote innovation and
employment in Australia and the EU. We will aim to achieve a comprehensive
and balanced outcome that liberalises trade, promotes productive investment
flows and enhances the regulatory environment for business. We agreed that
discussions to define the scope and approach to the negotiations should start
as soon as possible. In parallel, we agreed to take steps to seek the
necessary authorisation for the negotiations on the basis of a successful
scoping.
We
announced the establishment of the EU-Australia Leadership Forum to be
launched in 2016, as a unique platform for European and Australian leaders to
nurture the future of the EU-Australia relationship.
We
stressed the importance of research and innovation as drivers of growth and
employment in both the EU and Australia and we reaffirmed our commitment to
collaborate in this field, in particular through the EU's Horizon 2020
program and Australia's Australian Research Council and National Health and
Medical Research Council.
We
discussed regional and global challenges we both face and agreed to continue
working together to tackle them. The situation in Syria and Iraq remains of
greatest concern. We agreed to intensify our cooperation to address the
deteriorating humanitarian situation, to counter ISIL/Da'esh, and to respond
to the challenge of foreign terrorist fighters. We confirmed our full support
to a political solution to the conflict in Syria and to the launch of an
inclusive Syrian dialogue. We reiterated the importance of parties in Libya
agreeing rapidly on a Government of National Accord. We recognised the
difficulties faced by the National Unity Government in Afghanistan, welcomed
the progress made and urged the Government to continue its reform agenda. We
confirmed our continued support to resolving the conflict in eastern Ukraine
and agreed that sanctions against Russia taken in response to this conflict are
clearly linked to the full implementation of the Minsk Agreements. We do not
recognise and continue to condemn the illegal annexation of Crimea and
Sevastopol by the Russian Federation and remain committed to non-recognition
of the illegal annexation.
The
displacement and mass movement of refugees and migrants is a global concern.
We agreed that international protection must be granted to those entitled to
it, in line with international law. Effective management of borders and
fighting against migrant smuggling networks remain essential, as well as
tackling the root causes of the current migration and refugee crisis.
We
reaffirmed our commitment to secure a legally binding climate change
agreement applicable to all parties at COP21 in Paris. It must establish a
durable platform for limiting global temperature rise to below 2°C, including
through a long-term goal, accountability and transparency of contributions,
and allowing for strengthening of ambition over time."
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Press
contacts
Preben Aamann
+32 22815150 / +32 476850543
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Council of the European Union: +32 22816319 | press.office@consilium.europa.eu European Council / President: +32 22815150 | press.president@consilium.europa.eu www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/ |
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