EU FMs focus on India, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine at Cyprus talks

European Union foreign ministers are set to continue informal talks in the Cypriot port city of Limassol with a focus on relations with India and Saudi Arabia as well as the war in Ukraine.

Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud are expected to join their EU counterparts on May 28 morning to discuss recent developments in the conflict in the Middle East, dpa reports.

Trade between Europe, the Gulf countries and India has been affected by the war in Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Recent geopolitical tensions, however, intensified relations between the three partners. The EU repeatedly declared its solidarity with the Gulf states when they came under retaliatory strikes from Iran. India and the EU announced a far-reaching free trade agreement in January.

EU ministers are also set to discuss the war in Ukraine, following a dinner with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on May 28.

The talks are taking place at a time when speculation is mounting as to who might represent the EU in any peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

Floated names include Finnish President Alexander Stubb, former European Central Bank president Mario Draghi or former German chancellor Angela Merkel.

EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas was however quick to dismiss Moscow's proposal to name former German chancellor and Kremlin-friend Gerhard Schröder as mediator.

EU ministers are also expected to discuss strategic security and defence issues in preparation of an upcoming European Security Strategy.

By Vafa Guliyeva