19/03/2021 (Agence Europe) – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell in Brussels on 24 March, the European Commission and the State Department announced on 19 March. The Americans announced a meeting with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, but this has not been confirmed on the European side. According to the State Department, the discussions are expected to focus on “transatlantic goals for containing the Covid-19 pandemic, pursuing a sustainable global economic recovery, addressing the climate crisis, and strengthening democracy” as well as global challenges, such as Iran and China. “Advancing and strengthening the European partnerships will be essential” for the post-Covid-19 recovery, Acting Assistant Secretary Philip T. Reeker told reporters. Mr Blinken will also participate in the NATO Ministerial meeting on 23-24 March. (CG)