In an American-European statement ... an agreement on cooperation with China and Russia, a valuation of the nuclear agreement, and an emphasis on developing a cooperative relationship with Turkey.

The United States and the European Union agreed, at the end of talks in Brussels, to resume bilateral dialogue on China and to work together to confront Russia's challenging behavior.

In a joint statement issued by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell, the two sides acknowledged a common understanding that relations with China "are multi-faceted and include elements of cooperation, competition and competition in general."

Regarding Russia, the statement stressed coordination in responding to its behavior and encouraging it to abandon the confrontational approach.

The two sides stressed that the nuclear deal with Iran remains a major achievement of multilateral diplomacy, despite the existing difficulties.

On the issue of the Renaissance Dam negotiations, the statement called on all parties to resume negotiations, and expressed concern over the increase in tensions between Sudan and Ethiopia.

In the statement, the two sides emphasized intensifying cooperation on Afghanistan to push the peace process and ensure long-term stability.

They also stressed the existence of a common strategic interest in a stable environment in the eastern Mediterranean, and the development of a mutually beneficial cooperative relationship with Turkey.

US messages of reassurance to Europeans

Washington tried, during its foreign minister’s meetings in Brussels with European officials and his counterparts in NATO, to send reassuring messages that showed Washington’s desire to restore the alliance with the European Union and coordinate with its partners in confronting Russia and China, without putting pressure on them.

Following his meetings with his NATO counterparts at his headquarters in Brussels, Blinken traveled to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Union Foreign Minister Josep Borrell.

Blinken reaffirmed the priority given to partnership with the European Union, and the desire to coordinate on confronting Russia and China.

After the meetings held by Blinken in Brussels, US President Joe Biden will deliver a speech Thursday evening during the summit of European Union leaders.

European Union leaders welcomed Washington's messages, which allay many of their concerns.

Relationship with China

The file of the relationship between the Europeans and China is one of the points of disagreement with the US administration.

In this context, Blinken told his NATO counterparts that Washington considers China a threat to common security, but will not force its allies to choose "between the United States and China."

"We know that our allies have complex relations with China that will not always coincide with ours," he added.

Europeans have long shown reluctance to engage in conflict with Beijing, as former US President Donald Trump wanted.

The European Union concluded at the end of December 2020 an agreement with China on investments, which Germany demanded, but European cooperation with Beijing hit a wall by its refusal to make commitments on forced labor and an end to the persecution of the Uyghur minority.

Relations with Russia

It seems that Washington's agreement with the European Union on dealing with Russia is easier and less complicated than the file of relations with China.

"As we work with Russia to advance our interests and those of NATO, we also seek to hold Russia accountable for its reckless and contentious actions," Blinken said.

Similar to the position on China, Washington coordinated sanctions against Russia with the Europeans, following the condemnation of opposition Alexei Nvalny and the suppression of his supporters.

Despite this, President Joe Biden does not hesitate to collide with some allies, as the United States has threatened to impose sanctions on companies operating in the "Nord Stream 2" gas pipeline project, linking Russia and Germany, and which Europeans are divided on the position on it.

The US Secretary of State did not show any retreat in this file during an interview with his German counterpart Heiko Maas.

However, Washington softened its position on financing defense budgets in NATO, which is one of the points that cause disputes with European parties.

Germany, which has the largest economy in Europe, is facing difficulties in achieving the goal of allocating 2% of GDP to the defense budget by 2024.

"We recognize the need for a more holistic view of burden-sharing," Blinken said Wednesday at the NATO meeting.