Joint EU- Rio Group Declaration on Novel Flu Virus

With regard to the international outbreak of human cases of influenza A/H1N1 infection, the EU and the Rio Group fully share the international concern about this threat.

The EU and the Rio group express their solidarity with the most affected countries, in particular Mexico.

The EU reiterates its readiness to examine, in close cooperation with the authorities of the most affected countries and with the WHO, the best possible ways and means to provide assistance in the fight against this outbreak.

The EU and the Rio Group welcome the rapid, effective national and international response to the threat, which seems to lead to first positive results. The EU, its Member States and the Rio Group call on all to continue to closely monitor the situation, and will continue to act in a strong and decisive manner to face it and to rapidly overcome its social and economic impact.

The EU and the Rio Group are convinced that effectiveness of national measures in cooperation with WHO will be further enhanced by ongoing co-ordination measures among all competent organizations and bodies, in a spirit of global solidarity.

The EU and the Rio Group appreciate and acknowledge the enormous efforts the Mexican authorities have made in a transparent way to contain the spread of the virus and to help those suffering from infection.