Brussels, 19/01/2012 (Agence Europe) - On 18 January, the French minister for foreign affairs, Alain Juppé, proposed a meeting with Martin Schulz for 15 February. He said in a letter dated 18 January: “I will go to Strasbourg on 15 February to address the foreign affairs committee. I would be happy if I could meet you on this occasion”, and he also sent his “warmest congratulations” to Schulz on his election as president of the European Parliament.
The French minister said that he would be delighted to be able to work together in the future and provided assurances of his total commitment to work with the European Parliament. The French minister underlined the four priorities with which the Council and the Strasbourg Assembly should work closely.
In addition to a “global response to the economic and financial crisis by strengthening European integration and governance” and working towards growth to strengthen the social dimension of the internal market, the minister also highlighted foreign affairs. He underlined the need to “promote the anchoring of freedom and democracy” throughout the Mediterranean and welcomed the European Parliament's action and “personal commitment” of Schulz to promote democracy and human rights.
Juppé pointed out that the European Union “must be able to develop coherent and efficient external action, promote its interests and values and subsequently assert itself on the international scene, together with its major strategic partners”. He therefore would like to advance, in very concrete terms, with European common security and defence policy and its policy on trade. (CG/transl.fl)