Jean Asselborn Calls for Respect of Universal Values at Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels

Luxembourg Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Jean Asselborn today took part in the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union in Brussels.

The Council began with a public session commemorating the fifth anniversary of the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia in March 2014. On this occasion, participants recalled the European position of non-recognition of the annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol.

The ministers then had a debate on topical issues, which allowed for a review of the most pressing issues on the international agenda, including monitoring of the situation in Crimea and the incident last November near the Kerch Strait, as well as the latest developments in the Central African Republic, Syria, Venezuela and Algeria.

Following the US announcement of visa restrictions for staff of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok reiterated, on behalf of Benelux ministers, his unwavering support for the ICC and its indispensable action to put an end to impunity and to bring justice to the victims of the most serious crimes of international concern.

Ministers also discussed the Republic of Moldova and the ongoing political process in that country for the formation of a new government, following the parliamentary elections last February. Ministers particularly welcomed the analysis by the OSCE observer mission that the parliamentary elections of 24 February in Moldova were held in a competitive manner, while calling for the implementation of the recommendations made before the elections by the Venice Commission.

The Ministers' Working Lunch, in the presence of their colleague from the People's Republic of China, State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, provided an opportunity to take stock of China's relations with European Union. Ministers discussed the challenges and opportunities of bilateral relations with China, focusing on cooperation in terms of foreign policy, but also on challenges related to the economy, new technologies and investments.

Recalling the importance of respect for human rights, Minister Asselborn stressed that "the challenge for us in Europe is to defend and promote fundamental universal values, while continuing to work constructively with China where is possible and necessary. "

After lunch, ministers discussed Yemen in order to explore concrete ways in which the EU supports the implementation of the Stockholm agreement of last December, aimed in particular at solving the alarming situation around the port of Hodeidah.