Kurt M. Campbell Deputy Secretary of State | Official Website
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and European Union High Representative Josep Borrell met in Brussels, marking their 17th meeting. During the exchange, Borrell noted that Blinken had attended the Foreign Affairs Council five times, more than any other guest.
Borrell expressed his appreciation for Blinken's consistent involvement: "Many times more than any other guest, and it’s a real pleasure to welcome you here in Brussels in these troubled times." He acknowledged the ongoing challenges they face together, particularly referencing efforts before the war in Ukraine. "We didn’t succeed in that. Now we should be able to make the war stop in a just (inaudible) manner for the Ukrainians," Borrell stated.
Blinken reciprocated with gratitude towards Borrell's leadership and partnership. "It’s been a high point of my tenure as Secretary of State, and we’ve done a lot together between the United States and the European Union," he said. Highlighting their collaborative efforts on global issues, Blinken emphasized the importance of their continued work: "We still have more to do, and in the two months that I have left I am determined to use every day."
Both leaders agreed on the necessity of ongoing collaboration despite transitions within their respective countries. Blinken concluded by thanking Borrell for his leadership: "But I just want to say to you personally thank you for your extraordinary leadership."