At the Foreign Affairs Council held in Brussels, Minister for Foreign Affairs George W. Vella called on the EU to urgently step up its diplomatic engagement to contribute to an end of the carnage in Aleppo and a resumption of the political process leading to a transition in Syria.  Minister Vella reiterated that there can be no military solution for the conflict in Syria and joined his colleagues in condemning the crimes against humanity bring perpetrated. He called for an immediate ceasefire in Aleppo and throughout Syria to ensure that humanitarian aid safely reaches civilians in need. The situation in Syria was the highlight discussion at the Foreign Affairs Council for the third month running.

The EU's strategic relations with Africa were also discussed by the EU foreign ministers. In this context, Minister Vella agreed that the fifth Africa-EU Summit, to be held in November 2017, provides an opportunity to further strengthen the EU-Africa partnership to address common challenges and opportunities. In particular, he highlighted the need to adopt a holistic approach through diplomacy, development cooperation and humanitarian assistance. Minister Vella echoed counterparts in underlining the need to invest in Africa's youth, the importance of education and strengthening the role of women in tackling Africa's demographic trends.

The ministers also discussed migration. Minister Vella underscored the importance of a comprehensive approach towards migration which underpinned and guided the Valletta Summit and its outcomes.

The five priority areas agreed to at the Valletta Summit should be addressed as a whole and in parallel, together with the EU's partner countries. In this respect, Minister Vella also stated that more could be done to enhance initiatives on circular migration and education, as stated in the Valletta Action Plan.

On the side-lines of the meeting, Minister Vella met with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of France, Germany, Spain and Portugal, in order to discuss preparations for the forthcoming Maltese Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Furthermore, Minister Vella participated in the signing ceremony of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cuba. Representing one of the EU member state contributors, the Minister also attended the signing ceremony of the EU Trust Fund for Colombia in the presence of President Juan Manuel Santos.