Luxembourg’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Jean Asselborn (centre);
Credit: EU
Luxembourg hosted the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union, which was held on Monday 23 October 2023.
Luxembourg’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Jean Asselborn, was present for the occasion. The foreign ministers began the day with an exchange of views on the situation in Israel and Gaza. Minister Asselborn reiterated that Luxembourg unequivocally reaffirms Israel's right to legitimate defence, in full respect of international law. Luxembourg calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages by the terrorist groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
Luxembourg joined United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in calling for de-escalation and a humanitarian ceasefire. Rapid and unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza must be restored without delay, they stressed. Israel must act in full compliance with international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians.
Minister Asselborn welcomed the increase announced in humanitarian assistance by the European Commission, given the vital need for humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian population.
Finally, Minister Asselborn re-emphasised that the dramatic events of recent weeks illustrate how important it is to relaunch the peace process in the Middle East and achieve a real political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in order to break with the vicious circle of violence.
Later, the ministers had a discussion on the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. In this context, the ministers discussed issues related to continued support for Ukraine, commitments to Ukraine's security, sanctions against Russia and the fight against impunity.
The Foreign Affairs Council was also an opportunity to take stock of the tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and to briefly address the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.
After the Foreign Affairs Council, European ministers participated in the 19th EU-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting, with their counterparts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. In this context, Minister Asselborn had a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, Zheenbek Kulubaev.
