Denmark has just finished its presidency of the annual OECD Ministerial Council Meeting in Paris. Denmark had chosen globalisation as the main subject of the agenda. For two days, the world’s most industrialized countries discussed how everybody can get access to the opportuni-ties from globalisation and political answers to the challenges.
“Denmark has had a significant influence on the future work of the OECD. For two days, the OECD member states have discussed globalisation, talked about how we respond to challenges and exchanged policy experiences. We have worked on a positive agenda how globalisation can become advantageous for the whole world – for rich as well as for poor countries. The oppor-tunities from globalisation should be available to all – as Denmark is a good example of,” ex-plains Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen.
The meeting ended with the adoption of a joint ministerial declaration which defines the frame-work for the OECD’s further work. During the meeting difficult discussions on climate change and free trade took place, which are covered by a separate Danish Presidency Declaration.
“At the ministerial meeting we have also encountered different attitudes towards free trade and climate change. We were not able to reach consensus on a joint statement regarding these issues. I regret that the United States has decided to pull out of the Paris agreement. For a small coun-try, like Denmark, it is crucial that everyone adheres to the multilateral rules upon which we have agreed. On the other hand, I heard a lot of support for further developing the globalisation agenda.
I would like to thank the Secretary-General of the OECD, Angel Gurria, for his hard work and dedication. Further, I would like to express my gratitude towards our two vice-chair countries, Australia and the United Kingdom, for their invaluable support along the way. Finally, I would also like to thank France for her constructive and flexible attitude which helped greatly in ensur-ing a successful outcome of this year’s OECD Ministerial Council Meeting. “Anders Samuelsen concludes.
Background
HRH the Crown Princess, Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Minister for Foreign Af-fairs Anders Samuelsen, Minister for Development Co-operation Ulla Tørnæs, Minister for Higher Education and Science Søren Pind, and Minister for Taxation Karsten Lauritzen partici-pated officially in the OECD Forum and the Ministerial Council Meeting. In addition, Danish business associations, trade unions, civil society organisations, and entrepreneurs participated in the OECD Forum.
The Ministerial Declaration and the Danish Presidency Declaration can be read here: www.oecd.org/mcm
For further information, contact press officer Lars Peter Levy, tel. +45 441904124.
