Press Conference After G20 FMs' Meeting in Bonn

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel has held a press conference after G20 foreign ministers meeting in Bonn.

© Sputnik

Speaking at the final press conference after the G20 foreign ministers' summit in Bonn, German FM Sigmar Gabriel said that there is no question that Europe must spend more for defense. He also said that debate must go beyond military spending to include work on sustainable development.

The topics of Ukraine and Syria played an important role at several meetings within the framework of G20 in Germany’s Bonn, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said.

The Astana talks on Syria crisis resolution were important though rather limited in terms of discussed issues, while the political settlement will be discussed in Geneva, he said.

"Astana is focused on the issue of humanitarian aid and ceasefire, as it was stated there by our Turkish colleague. It is a good process, it can help," Gabriel said.

He added that the outcome of the Astana meeting was rather limited, while Geneva talks should kick off a political process.

The two-day Astana talks on Syria started on Wednesday, with Russian, Iranian, Jordanian and Syrian delegations having a number of technical meetings. The plenary session took place on Thursday. Ceasefire monitoring was the main issue on the talks agenda. Astana meeting is expected to be followed by negotiations in Geneva on February 23, where the main focus will be on elaboration of a new constitution and holding elections in Syria.

The G20 foreign ministers meeting under Germany’s chairmanship was held in Bonn on Thursday and Friday.