During their visit to Russia on Monday and Tuesday this week, Luxembourg’s Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister met with the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Dimitri Medvedev; discussions focused on bilateral relations and international policy including the European Union (EU).

The Prime Minister said that “bilateral relations between our countries are doing well: the basis of our relations are solid and anchored in our common history”. In this context, the meeting made it possible to take stock of the economic, cultural and academic relations.

Regarding the European Union, the Prime Minister welcomed the resumption of dialogue following the visit of High Representative Frederica Mogherini to Moscow in April this year. He also stressed the need for dialogue between the EU and Russia. As for international politics, Xavier Bettel mentioned Ukraine in particular. In this context, he said: “The EU and Russia must cooperate more to stabilise the situation in the Donbass. Civilians deserve a return to normal life, children must be able to attend schools soon. I am counting on Russia to do everything possible for what is possible.”

On Monday, the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister held a working meeting with Honorary Consul, Vladimir P. Evtushenkov, President of AFK Sistema. At the meeting, the current and future economic situation in Russia was discussed.

On Tuesday, the Prime Minister awarded an honorary distinction to the Honorary Consul on the Vologda Region, Alexey Mordashov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Severstal, who has held this position for 11 years for the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Xavier Bettel stressed that the consul is a “pillar of support for Luxembourg in Russia”.