The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr George W. Vella, met with Mr Klaus Rudischhauser Acting/Deputy Director General of the European Commission responsible for Development Cooperation and Mr Vincent Grimaud, Head of Unit, to discuss matters concerning international development, in the light of the upcoming Malta Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2017.

Amongst the main topics of discussion was the migration crisis, with emphasis made on the importance of addressing the root causes of migration in a holistic manner. The Minister and DG DEVCO also discussed the follow up to the Valletta Summit wherein Minister Vella highlighted the importance of the timely implementation of the projects under the framework of the European Union Trust Fund for Africa set up in November 2015. DG Rudischhauser provided an outline of the actions being undertaken in this regard to deliver the results within the agreed timeline.

Further issues debated were the link between migration and development and the relations with the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries after the expiry of the Cotonou agreement in 2020. Minister Vella also discussed the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which will feature prominently during Malta’s Presidency.

The Commission representatives also held meetings with Senior Officials at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs to discuss the priorities of the Malta Presidency in the field of Development cooperation.