Kerry says he looks forward to working with new European Commission

WASHINGTON, Nov 1 (KUNA) -- Secretary of State John Kerry on Friday said he looked forward to collaborating with a new European Commission that will take office on Saturday under the leadership of President Jean-Claude Juncker.
"The United States and the European Union share a common past, one we honor a century after the start of the First World War," Kerry said in a statement released by the department on Friday evening. "Today, we share a common vision for a Europe whole, free and at peace." Almost two decades ago, leaders of the United States and the European Union committed to work together to promote peace, stability and democracy around the world, Kerry said.
"We agreed to respond to global challenges, together," he said. "And we agreed to expand world trade, bring our economies closer together, and build transatlantic bridges for people and ideas." "The issues we confront have changed over the years, but we have stayed true to our bedrock commitments," Kerry said. "Today we face serious threats to peace and stability from the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, ISIL in the Middle East, and Russia's actions in Ukraine. These are crises we will combat together. And we are negotiating an ambitious trade and investment partnership to bring our economies even closer." (end) rm.gta