Lisbon/Brussels, 17/09/2007 (Agence Europe) - Portugal believes that its presidency of the EU “coincides with a unique moment in time” in the Mediterranean region given the “opportunities that cannot be ignored” and wants to “actively participate and contribute” to the success of the EuroMed process (EU and neighbouring countries). A conference of foreign affairs ministers has been announced for 5-6 November in Portugal. A meeting of senior officials from 37 countries engaged in the process took place on 6-7 September in Brussels to collectively examine the dossiers foreign ministers will be looking at. Their colleagues responsible for the economy and finance met in Porto last weekend (see other article). Trade ministers are planning to meet on 21 October in Lisbon and those in charge of immigration questions on 19 November. A variety of preparatory meetings at an expert and senior official level are programmed in the meantime. According to the Portuguese presidency, the aim of the foreign affairs ministers' meeting is to provide a “new boost to the Barcelona process” and “trace the main guidelines in the work programme” for 2008. At the beginning of September, senior officials also discussed the Middle East situation in a debate that was described by a presidency representative as “frank, open and fruitful, in the spirit of a real partnership”. (fb)