Xavier Bettel at the EU’s informal “Trade” Foreign Affairs Council

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel, participated in an informal meeting of the Council of Foreign Affairs in its “Trade” setting, held on 18 October 2024 in Budapest.

The informal meeting began with a discussion on trade relations between the EU and ASEAN (“Association of Southeast Asian Nations“). which we need to develop further. In this context, in addition to our trade, we must also ensure that we promote political dialogue with this group of countries, especially in a global context characterized by an increase in the geopolitical tension.”

Regarding the suspension of the implementation of the deforestation regulation, Minister Bettel recognized the need to continue the dialogue with ASEAN member countries, recognizing that the international community is committed to respecting contribute to important climate goals that should not be lost.

European trade ministers then looked at trade relations between the EU and China. In his speech, Minister Bettel called for finding the right balance in trade relations between the EU and China: “We must establish a fair, equitable and mutually beneficial relationship in our trade relations with China. Although China is not always the easiest partner, or even a competitor, we must avoid price increases with it.”

On the sidelines of the Informal Council, Minister Bettel also had a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, Peter Szijjártó. Among the points of discussion were current European and international politics, Hungary’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the situation in Ukraine.

Press release from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Cooperation and Foreign Trade