L-R: Tomaš Petříček, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic; Jean Asselborn, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Luxembourg; Credit: MAEE

Luxembourg's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Jean Asselborn paid a working visit to Prague in the Czech Republic on Friday.

During his visit, Minister Asselborn met his Czech counterpart Tomaš Petříček, as well as the Czech Deputy Minister of European Affairs Aleš Chmelař.

The Luxembourgish and Czech Foreign Ministers began their discussions by reviewing the state of bilateral relations, while welcoming closer cooperation, especially in the economic sphere.

Ministers Asselborn and Petříček then exchanged views on European current affairs, including the new institutional cycle, the multiannual financial framework and the EU enlargement process. Jean Asselborn also discussed the EU migration policy with the Czech authorities, focussing in particular on migratory flows on the Balkan route, as well as the protection of the rule of law in the EU and preparations for the future Czech Presidency of the European Union.

In his capacity as Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Benelux Union, Jean Asselborn and his Czech counterpart also discussed cooperation between Benelux and the Višegrad Group, over which the Czech Republic currently presides. The two ministers notably agreed to strengthen the 4+3 dialogue on European issues of common interest.

In general, the Luxembourgish and Czech Foreign Ministers saw a broad convergence of views on major European issues, especially the deepening of the internal market. In particular, Ministers Asselborn and Petříček stressed the need to reinforce the internal cohesion of the EU by returning to the fundamental principles underlying the construction of Europe.

Discussions also provided an overview of international political events, including transatlantic relations.