The ministers exchanged views on the possibilities for strengthening the Union's cooperation with Africa, including in terms of preparations for the sixth European Union–African Union Summit scheduled for this year. The discussion mainly focused on strengthening the EU strategic engagement and deepening political and economic cooperation, as well as partnership in the fields of connectivity, energy, the green transition and development cooperation. The EU will continue to pursue its ambitions to contribute to a democratic, peaceful and prosperous Africa.

The ministers also scrutinised the unresolved conflicts in the Eastern Neighbourhood, stressing the need for a peaceful approach without the use of force, in accordance with international law and within the framework of existing mechanisms. It is imperative that the Union continue to act in a united and comprehensive manner, both through politics and by building economic platforms that can make an important contribution to reconciliation and finding a solution to the conflicts in the Eastern Neighbourhood.

With regard to Belarus, the ministers exchanged views on the implementation of the European Council conclusions and began the process of preparing further restrictive measures in the economic and sectoral fields. The debate on Belarus will resume at the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in June.

The ministers also highlighted the strategic importance of the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, which will serve as a guide for the Union's further engagement in this part of the world. Minister Logar reiterated the bloc's political and economic interest in strengthening cooperation with the Indo-Pacific countries. In this context, he also stressed the need for the EU to conclude free trade agreements with the countries of the region, to work together with the region to meet new security challenges and strengthen cooperation in the fields of digitalisation, artificial intelligence and cyber security.