Any future diplomatic negotiations concerning the Russia-Ukraine conflict must take a full account of the security interests of Europe, particularly those of Eastern European member states, and the relevant countries "should be heard," Kaja Kallas, the European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said on Monday.
In response to concerns that Eastern European countries may be sidelined in upcoming diplomatic efforts, Kallas told the press that EU foreign ministers had recently convened to discuss the issue, stressing that the importance of involving "the countries that know Russia better than anybody" in shaping Europe's policy towards Russia and future peace arrangements.
Following a meeting among the leaders of Ukraine, France, Germany and the U.K. in London on Sunday, Stefan Kornelius, spokesman for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, said that Europe is prepared to play a greater role in negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict and is maintaining close coordination with the United States.
Divergent perspectives exist within the EU regarding the approach to negotiations and the timing for substantive contacts. While countries like France and Germany advocate an accelerated political resolution, Baltic states and several Central and Eastern European countries argue that conditions for serious negotiations with Russia are not yet suitable.
EU urges inclusion of Eastern European States in Russia-Ukraine talks
China has stepped up efforts to promote the implementation of its multiple key marine ecological protection projects since the beginning of this year, with a balance between marine ecological protection and marine economic development.
In the waters off Weizhou Island in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, coral colonies cultivated through ecological restoration projects have successfully achieved large-scale natural spawning for the first time this year. The milestone indicates that a complete ecological self-recovery system has been established in the artificially restored marine area.
Across the country, the pace of construction on major ecological projects, including the Blue Bay environmental improvement initiative and coral reef restoration efforts, has accelerated since the beginning of the year.
Meanwhile, pilot projects of the Harmonious and Beautiful Islands program have advanced steadily, with the first batch of 33 islands covered by the program taking shape as models of green landscapes, clean shores, clear waters and abundant marine life.
The improved health of coastal ecosystems is now fueling growth in emerging marine industries.
"From January to April, China's marine economy achieved innovation-driven and high-quality development. Marine passenger traffic and passenger turnover increased by 7.3 percent and 11.1 percent year on year, respectively. Several marine-derived medicines have also gained approval for clinical trials. Next, we will remain committed to protecting our country's blue seas and coastlines, and further strengthen the blue foundation for sustainable use of marine resources," said Meng Qinglei, deputy director of the Department of Marine Strategy, Planning and Economy at the Ministry of Natural Resources.
China achieves balanced development of marine ecology, economy
