The statement is intended as the starting point for a more detailed regional strategy the two governors will offer at another meeting in June.

Do not the Government need to give more attention to devising a regional strategy within Europe?

It may not be wise to make Iran integral to the regional strategy at the outset.

The best method is to incorporate this into the country and regional strategies to secure ownership in the South.

I would also like to make a second comment on the need for a regional strategy, a regional approach.

One could hardly imagine a regional strategy there without Turkey and Russia, but these particular countries are left out of the process.

Consequently, it is important that regional strategies form part of a wider European policy.

It is an important step forward and fills a gap that has existed in our regional strategy up till now.

Measures taken at European level must supplement national and regional strategies.

On the other hand, a strong regional strategy is also necessary.