During these very difficult times, the European Political Community is a new forum that brings together all the countries of the continent in order to promote our common security and prosperity.
Needless to say, such a community of countries needs to be based on common values which we all must share. Respect for international law, fundamental protection of human rights must be the cornerstone that underpin this new effort. Then I would hope, sincerely, that all the countries that participate today and possibly in the future share these common principles, share these common values not just in words, but also in deeds.
On a different note, I would like to express my deep sorrow for the tragic loss of life that occurred this morning, late last night in the Aegean in two separate shipwrecks, despite the heroic efforts of the Greek Coast Guard.
I think this is a time to really cooperate much more substantially in order to avoid these types of incidents occurring in the future and to completely eradicate the smugglers who prey upon innocent people, desperate people who try to reach the European continent in vessels which are clearly not seaworthy.
