Luxembourg Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Jean Asselborn, was in Lisbon on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 May 2016 for a working visit at the invitation of his Portuguese counterpart, Augusto Santos Silva.

The visit also took place as part of the 125th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Grand Duchy and Portugal.

During his trup, Minister Asselborn was received in audience by the Portuguese President, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and held a bilateral meeting with Minister Santos Silva. Minister Asselborn also met with former Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio.

Discussions firstly addressed the political, economic and business links between the two countries, working to strengthen the bilateral relations between Portugal and Luxembourg.

Jean Asselborn welcomed the contributions which Portuguese citizens continue to provide to the development of the Grand Duchy, emphasising that "without the significant contribution of the Portuguese community in Luxembourg, the country would not be what it is today" and adding that "the Portuguese community in Luxembourg, adding up to some 93,000 citizens, actively contributes to the cultural and social diversity of which Luxembourg is so proud".

Ministers discussed in-depth the topics related to the Portuguese community in the Grand Duchy and welcomed the bilateral efforts undertaken to ensure the best possible integration of Portuguese nationals in Luxembourg. They also discussed the remaining challenges, especially in terms of a better adaptation to the Luxembourg language situation in the education system for Portuguese children.

Regarding European politics, ministers reported a convergence of views on a number of major current issues, together emphasising the importance of showing solidarity in times of crisis strengthening the internal cohesion of the EU by returning to the fundamental principles behind European integration.

Whilst reviewing the current state of the EU and the major issues behind it, Minister Asselborn honoured the effort shown by Portugal in hosting refugees: "Your country is a fine example of European solidarity and I hope other Member States will be inspired by it".

 


Photo by MAEE (L-R): Jean Asselborn; Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa