LOC17:10
14:10 GMT
BRUSSELS, Feb 24 (KUNA) -- Several meetings which were to be held to prepare for the upcoming EU-China summit have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak, an EU spokesperson said here Monday.
"There are many , many meetings between EU and China and preparatory meetings scheduled for the summit," Peter Stano, spokesperson for EU High Representative Josep Borrell, told a news conference.
"Because of the situation a number of these have been cancelled or delayed. But there are always alternatives such as video conferences or through other diplomatic channels," he said.
"On the EU-China summit the decision will be taken jointly, mutually and at the appropriate level. We don't have a fixed date yet," said Stano.
"We are using the key words, prevention and precaution in all areas," he added.
According to media reports, the EU-China summit was planned to be held in Beijing on March 30.
In a related development, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen accompanied by 22 EU Commissioners and the EU High Representative Josep Borrell will be travelling on Thursday to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the 10th meeting with the African Union Commission.
"The meeting is going ahead. As it stands it will take place," Dana Spinant, Deputy Chief Spokesperson of the European Commission, told the news conference. (end)
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