Development ministers to discuss EU water diplomacy and cooperation with the United States

NordenBladet — Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari will represent Finland at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting of EU development ministers on 19 November in Brussels.The topics on the agenda will include EU water diplomacy and water in the EU’s external action, especially in the relations with Central Asian countries. Additionally, the Ministers will discuss the relationship between the EU and the United States in development cooperation with Administrator Samantha Power from the United States Agency for International Development USAID.Water diplomacy promotes peace, stability and security and prevents disputes related to transboundary water management between countries. Water is a highly topical issue in the EU’s external action as the United Nations Water Conference is approaching in 2023.“The EU must move towards responsible and just water security. Finland has much to offer in this area. Effective transboundary water cooperation and agreements can improve people’s access to water and reduce tensions between countries,” says Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari.In a meeting with Administrator of USAID Samantha Power, EU development ministers will discuss development cooperation in the EU–US relationship. It is important to strengthen cooperation with the US administration to be able to respond to questions related to democracy and to the challenges posed by climate change.“It is natural for the EU and the United States to be partners especially when addressing climate questions and promoting digital solutions. In its cooperation with the United States, Finland also emphasises gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights,” Minister Skinnari says.

Source: Valtioneuvosto.fi