L-R: Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel; German Chancellor Olaf Scholz;
Credit: ME
On Tuesday 1 March 2022, Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel paid a working visit to Berlin, Germany.
Prime Minister Xavier Bettel met with the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, for an interview at the latter's official residence at Bellevue Palace. Luxembourg's Prime Minister then met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the Federal Chancellery.
International news related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine dominated discussions. Luxembourg and Germany's leaders reiterated that their respective countries, like their partners and allies, stand united in their rejection of war and brutality against civilians.
Prime Minister Xavier Bettel stated: "We face a brutal invasion unlike any our generation has ever seen. A war against freedom. Close cooperation with our friends, allies and partners is a top priority, especially in times of international crisis. The unity and determination of NATO and the EU should not be underestimated".
Luxembourg's Prime Minister described the sanctions against Russia as "coordinated, fair and important". He added: "They hit Russia hard and will not fail to have their effect".
With regard to direct aid to Ukraine, both Prime Minister Xavier Bettel and his interlocutors felt that a paradigm shift was essential to respond to Russian aggression. In addition to announcing increased military cooperation between Germany and Luxembourg, Mr Bettel recalled that "my country has announced military aid and support measures for Ukraine, in addition to closing airspace to Russian airlines. In addition, humanitarian aid of €1 million has been decided, which will be provided through partners, in particular the UNHCR and the Red Cross".
Moreover, Luxembourg's Prime Minister stressed the importance of not closing diplomatic channels: "We must continue our diplomatic efforts. I have confidence in Germany and France as partners at the heart of Europe to maintain dialogue with Russia and achieve a ceasefire. I also welcome without naivety the start of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia".
Prime Minister Xavier Bettel also called for solidarity with Ukraine: "We will support Ukraine in the best possible way and we are also preparing at the national level for the arrival of a significant number of refugees from Ukraine". Addressing the Ukrainian population, he said: "We have not forgotten you. You are not alone. We will do our utmost to resolve this armed conflict as soon as possible and to restore peace and stability to Ukraine".
All interlocutors called for an immediate ceasefire.
