"The C5 format provides an opportunity for a very informal meeting of ministers. We talk about situation in our countries and what are the internal dynamics in our states. The regional cooperation formats are very useful for calibrating common positions in foreign policy. Moreover, Czechia plays a very active role in these formats. The topic of today's C5 was mainly assistance to Ukraine, support for the Western Balkan countries on their way to EU membership, but also illegal migration, which is a pressing problem for Schengen," said Minister Lipavský.

Jan Lipavský also discussed with Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Wlachovský, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó and Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon the consequences of Russian aggression with regard to energy security and diversification of resources.

The C5 Ministers also met with OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid in Vienna. "The OSCE is an important organisation, the whole security mechanism of Europe is dependent on it. Russia's actions block its activities. Today, we discussed with Secretary General Helga Schmid the options on how to deal with the situation going forward. The OSCE operates on the principle of consensus and Russia has repeatedly trampled on international law," Lipavský added. 

The C5 format was created spontaneously during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in order to more effectively coordinate the measures to be implemented. Over time, the group also began to discuss current foreign policy issues. Today's 10th meeting was held at the invitation of the Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. Slovenia is expected to host the next meeting in March next year.

Source: MZV ČR / MFA CZ