Xavier Bettel, Luxembourg Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade;
Credit: MAE Luxembourg
On Monday 10 November 2025, Luxembourg’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Cooperation and Foreign Trade reported that Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel had participated in the Summit between the European Union (EU) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).
The summit, held in Santa Marta, Colombia on Sunday 9 November 2025, was co-chaired by the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, and the President of the European Council, António Costa, and brought together the member states of the EU and the countries of CELAC, with the aim of strengthening the strategic partnership between the two regions.
During his speech, Minister Bettel stated: “At a time when the world tends to fragment, when polarisation and extremism are gaining ground, this summit serves as a reminder of how essential it is to engage in dialogue and to work together with trusted partners. The partnership between the EU, Latin America and the Caribbean must be based on shared values and a common vision for the future. Faced with global challenges such as climate change, we must join forces and act collectively. While some choose protectionism and isolation, we must choose openness, fair trade, sustainable investment and enhanced cooperation, in the mutual interest of our citizens.”
According to the ministry, the topics addressed also included the defence of multilateralism, the promotion of trade and investment, the green and digital transitions, as well as the fight against organised crime and drug trafficking.
Moreover, the summit concluded with a joint declaration outlining the future directions for cooperation between the two regions.
EO
