This year, faced by the challenges of the pandemic and its social and economic consequences, European leaders meeting at an informal summit in Porto, hosted by the current Portuguese Presidency of the EU, focused on social issues, including on how to ensure an inclusive recovery, with education and skills at the heart of the EU's political action.

The European Commission will stop efforts to approve the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI) between China and the European Union (EU). European Commissioner for Trade, Valdis Dombrovskis, said that approval for the CAI is complicated due to recent EU-China relations. 

The Qatari Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, said that he welcomed any dialogue and positive spirit that concerns Iran's relations with the Gulf states and Saudi Arabia in particular. Al Thani stressed Doha's support for such dialogue and said he was certain that dialogue will have a significant impact on regional stability. 

Assavbayev briefed the Azerbaijani minister on new initiatives being considered, as well as plans on expanding the geography of activities, cooperation with the EU and other issues.

According to the Portuguese minister of foreign affairs, Augusto Santos Silva, the 27-nation bloc wants to restart talks on three agreements: protection of geographical indication, reciprocal investments, and a pact to foster Indo-European trade. Portugal will host the summit on Saturday in Porto.

The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, stressed in a speech yesterday evening (5 April) the importance that his country adheres to the democratic approach, and commits to meaningful dialogue. 

Welcoming the Georgian prime minister at the presidential complex in Baku, President Ilham Aliyev said, "Relations between our peoples are based on a long history, a history of good neighborliness and friendship that has lasted for centuries."

In another direct challenge to the internationally recognised government of Yemen, the Southern Transitional Council (STC) announced in a statement by its leader, Aidaroos Al-Zubaidi, that the "restoration" of the southern state is nearing.