Brussels, 02/12/2014 (Agence Europe) - The situation in Ukraine and the bilateral free trade TTIP negotiations were the focus of the first phone call between new President of the European Council Donald Tusk and US President Barack Obama on Monday 1 December.
“I was happy to hear the American president's equally strong commitment to our transatlantic bond”, Tusk said in a statement published after Obama's call of congratulations. The two presidents spoke about “the important work” still to be done on the trade negotiations. “The TTIP is not just about free trade; it is an expression of our geopolitical partnership. We agreed to step up our efforts towards reaching an agreement”, Tusk said. “The two leaders affirmed their determination to achieve an ambitious and comprehensive TTIP”, confirmed a White House press statement. The two presidents also spoke about the global economic situation and Tusk informed Obama about the next European Council discussion on the new investment plan for Europe.
On the level of international security, Tusk and Obama spoke of their concern for the crisis in Ukraine and sent a strong message with regard to Russia (see other article). They also agreed on the need to strengthen EU/NATO relations. In addition, the two men discussed the joint efforts of the EU and US to support the governments in West Africa so as to stop the spread of the Ebola virus and provide treatment for those infected. “President Obama thanked the EU for its more than €1 billion pledge” to this, Tusk stated. (EH)