Prime Minister Bettel charmed the audience in Bled
At the 10th Bled Strategic Forum Luxembourg Prime Minister, Minister of State Xavier Bettel emphasised the importance of developing a European solution to address the current refugee crisis. The Prime Minister spoke during the opening conference entitled ‘New Global Order: Confrontation or Partnership’ at the 10th edition of the Bled-based forum, which this year focused on ‘Visions of New Partnerships’.
Prime Minister Bettel was joined at the forum by President of of the European Council, Donald Tusk; President of the Republic of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović; President of the republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor; Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić; and OSCE Secretary-General, Lamberto Zannier. The Forum took place on the same day as Luxembourg Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Jean Asselborn, was addressing the same issue in Luxembourg and French Prime Minister, Manuel Valls, and First VP of the European Commission, Frans Timmermans were calling for a comprehensive solution to the problem. The Prime Minister echoed the words of Minister Asselborn, emphasising the difference to be made between economic migrants and people fleeing conflict and war zones and stressing the vital necessity of European solidarity in the matter. On the sidelines of the Forum, Xavier Bettel also met with Slovenian President, Borut Pahor, to discuss the challenges faced by countries in south-eastern Europe who are particularly feeling the effects of the significant influx of refugees. Talks also centred on the broader political and economic situation in the Balkans. In addition, Prime Minister Bettel spoke of the Organisation for Security and Co-Operation in Europe’s (OSCE) mission in the Ukraine with OSCE Secretary-General, Lamberto Zanier, before holding a bilateral meeting with Slovenian counterpart, Miro Cerar. The two head of Government discussed European and international matters concerning the upcoming European Councils.