BRUSSELS, May 18 (Xinhua) -- European Union (EU) foreign policy and security chief Federica Mogherini on Thursday said the EU would speed up efforts and push forward work on the EU security and defense agenda.
Mogherini made the comments to media after chairing a meeting of the 28 EU defense ministers during which they discussed the progress that had been made on strengthening cooperation.
They also decided to provide guidance for further work, including improving crisis management structures, strengthening cooperation with partner countries, developing civilian capabilities, and reinforcing military rapid response.
According to a statement of conclusions agreed by the defense ministers, the EU is enhancing its ability to act as a security provider, as well as its global strategic role and its capacity to act autonomously when and where necessary and with partners wherever possible.
EU defense ministers also had a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to discuss strengthening EU-NATO cooperation.
