Minister Bettel then took part in a working session with the Indo-Pacific partner countries, Australia, South Korea, Japan and New Zealand. At this meeting, which was also attended by the High Representative of the European Union, Josep Borrell, the ministers discussed ways to strengthen cooperation on common issues, including cyber defence, new technologies, maritime security, climate change and the fight against disinformation.
In Brussels, Xavier Bettel also took part in the meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council at foreign minister level, which was attended by the Ukrainian minister, Dmytro Kuleba. The meeting allowed the ministers to discuss the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine and Ukraine’s equipment needs. In his speech, Minister Bettel expressed Luxembourg’s support for Ukraine. “This is not about charity, but about our security. It is about the security of our continent and respect for international law based on rules. The alternative would be an order based on the law of the strongest”, stressed Xavier Bettel.
At a first meeting of the North Atlantic Council, which welcomed Sweden for the first time as a new member of the Alliance, the ministers exchanged views on preparations for the NATO Summit in Washington and on continued support for Ukraine. On this occasion, Minister Bettel underlined the importance of continuing NATO’s collective adaptation efforts: “As a founding member of NATO, Luxembourg is determined to make its contribution to strengthening the Alliance. In addition to the considerable efforts we have already made, we are currently working on a plan to increase our defence spending to two per cent of gross national income in the medium term”.
Finally, the meeting of NATO foreign ministers was also an opportunity to celebrate the 75th anniversary of NATO, which was created on 4 April 1949 in Washington when twelve founding nations, including Luxembourg, signed the North Atlantic Treaty.
Over the two days, Minister Bettel attended three working sessions of the North Atlantic Council, focusing on preparations for the NATO Summit in Washington in July 2024, the situation in Ukraine and its relationship with NATO, and the partnership with the countries of the Indo-Pacific region.
Press release by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade
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