On Monday 13 June 2016, the foreign ministers of Benelux conducted a joint working visit to Prague, Czech Republic, to meet with their counterparts from the countries of the Visegrad Group (V4).
The delegation was led by Luxembourg Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Jean Asselborn, in his capacity as chairman of the Benelux Union's Committee of Ministers.
The format of the joint working meeting of the Benelux foreign ministers with their counterparts from the V4 countries of Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia forms part of the common will of the Luxembourg Presidency of the Benelux Union Committee of Ministers and the Czech Presidency of the Visegrad Group to work towards strengthening relations between the member countries of the two regional groups.
Whilst current celebrations of the 700th anniversary of Charles IV of the House of Luxembourg are testament to the historical links between the two regions, ministers discussed the possibility of promoting closer cooperation between Member States, having exchanged views in-depth on the challenges faced by the European Union today.
"We do not agree on everything, but there are many convergence points between Benelux and the Visegrad countries," commented Minister Asselborn, explaining that "the open and constructive discussions we had today help to reconcile positions, particularly on the issue of migration, to find common solutions to common challenges."
The ministers were unanimous in underlining the need to further strengthen efforts in the management of the external dimension of migration policy and affirmed their commitment to seek a global and geographically balanced approach to migration, based on shared responsibility, solidarity and security.
"Member States must support each other, no Member State can manage such a crisis alone," the Luxembourg Minister continued, stressing that "solidarity must prevail and responsibilities must be shared equitably."
The ministers also reported on the Eastern Partnership, before an exchange of views on the future of EU-Russia relations. They further discussed the internal situation in the EU by addressing the British referendum concerning its membership in the Union and on ways to strengthen dialogue between Member States on the respect and promotion of the rule of law within the EU, the first edition of which was organised by the Luxembourg Presidency of the Council of the EU.
After the meeting, the ministers agreed to continue and enhance exchanges between Benelux and the Visegrad Group.
Photos by MAEE (Bottom L-R): Lubomír Zaorálek; Jean Asselborn
