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[Luxembourg 2005 Presidency of the Council of the European Union]
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Press Release
Nicolas Schmit before the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade

Date of release : 02-02-2005

Policy area : General Affairs and External Relations


On 2 February 2005, Nicolas Schmit, Minister Delegate for Foreign Affairs and Immigration, and Peter Mandelson, member of the European Commission for External Trade, both attended a meeting of the European Parliament’s Committee on "International Trade" in Brussels. They had an exchange of views with the members of the European Parliament on topics of current interest in the area of international trade, including most notably the status of negotiations of the World Trade Organisation’s Doha development agenda.

Nicolas Schmit then made the following declaration on transatlantic relations: "Transatlantic relations are one of  the principle objectives of the Luxembourg Presidency, and we are emphasising the importance of trade relations in the deepening of the transatlantic friendship."

The Minister Delegate informed MEPs that the Luxembourg Presidency would spare no effort to accelerate the adoption of the new GSP regime. The priority placed on this issue falls within the context of responses to be given to the humanitarian tragedy in the countries affected by the tsunami in south-east Asia. 

On the subject of the countries on the Mediterranean Rim that form part of the "Euromed" process, Nicolas Schmit said that: "economic relations are very important to make this political process - which is of paramount importance - progress."

Regarding relations with European Union neighbouring countries, such as Russia and Ukraine, Nicolas Schmit underscored the importance the Presidency places on trade as a way of bringing these countries closer to the EU.

In conclusion, Minister Schmit stressed the key role the Presidency plays in the coordination of the positions and work of the Member States in the area of international trade.



This page was last modified on : 03-02-2005

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