The excellent status of bilateral relations, particularly the vitality of economic relations, was confirmed in Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Paolo Gentiloni’s meeting with – also newly appointed – Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders.
Gentiloni and Koenders agreed on the need to strengthen the EU’s role in the management of migration flows from the southern shores of the Mediterranean. On that point, Gentiloni expressed his appreciation for Holland’s decision to participate in the Triton mission. “In order to effectively confront the migration crisis, the coordinated commitment of EU Member States is of fundamental importance”, the Italian minister said. “In addition to emergency interventions”, Gentiloni continued, “there has to be a preventive strategy aimed at strengthening dialogue and cooperation with the countries of origin and at improving their socio-economic conditions”.
The two ministers found a broad convergence of views on the European themes occupying the Italian Presidency of the Council of the EU, such as the need to stimulate growth and employment.
They confirmed the importance of coordinated European actions regarding crisis scenarios. In particular, on the Ukraine situation, Gentiloni and Koenders agreed that there was no alternative to application of the Minsk protocols and that, at the same time, it was necessary to collaborate on reviving a frank and productive dialogue with Moscow.
Regarding the Libyan crisis, the two ministers reiterated both the conviction that the only possible lasting solution was a political one, along with their full support for UN mediation efforts.
Finally, Gentiloni expressed appreciation for Holland’s upcoming participation in the 2015 EXPO.
