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The PM spent our money and his time flying to Yerevan to attend the European Political Community meeting, without a thought for all the extra CO2 he could have saved by joining online. After the meetings there we can read a full statement of the parallel EU-Armenia Summit which also took place set out by the Commission. This is a report of a very detailed meeting, setting out how Armenia can conform more with EU rules and participate in more EU programmes in preparation for eventual membership. It is set in the context of the EU wanting Armenia to complete a Peace Treaty with neighbouring Azerbaijan, and improve relations with Turkey. The EU has a political vision of the future of the Caucasus region which it wishes to enforce.
The President of Azerbaijan attended the European Political Community online and is reported to have been critical of the EU for taking a pro-Armenia stance, and for taking provocative actions as he sees them - with one-sided intervention in the disputes between his country and Armenia. The Turkish President was invited, but instead Turkey's Vice-President joined online. Two of the key themes of the meeting were "Regional Stability in the South Caucasus" and " Building the Future: Unity and Resilience".
The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, also attended and made the continued plea for additional military and financial help in resisting Russian aggression. The meeting favoured a negotiated solution for the Middle East, whilst continuing with the war against Russia in Ukraine.
So what was the UK's view on these important issues? Did the PM support the conclusions on how to bring peace to the Caucasus? What does he think about the further extension of the EU eastwards and the impact that will have on the region? What is the proposed defence and Co-operation Agreement with Poland going to include? Why can't we see a draft text? Co-operation on weapons procurement is fine, as long as it actually helps both sides.
