Foreign Minister Gabriel on his first official visits to Italy and Austria

On Monday, 27 February 2017, Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel will travel to Austria and Italy. In this connection, Foreign Minister Gabriel issued the following statement today (26 February):

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Seldom have so many forces been undermining the European Union at the same time – both externally and internally. During my talks in Vienna and Rome, I want to discuss with my counterparts how we can strengthen Europe’s cohesion and make the European Union fit for the future. That will only be possible if we in the EU pull together and reach durable compromises, also on difficult issues such as how to deal with the refugee and migration crisis.

In Vienna I will also discuss OSCE matters. Having taken over the OSCE Chairmanship from Germany, Austria plays a key role in our efforts to stabilise the ceasefire in eastern Ukraine.

In Vienna, Foreign Minister Gabriel will have talks with Federal Chancellor Christian Kern and Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz, among others. In Rome, he is due to meet Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano. The talks will focus on bilateral and European issues as well as urgent international crises and conflicts.

from
http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/EN/Infoservice/Presse/Meldungen/2017/170226_BM_Reise_Rom_Wien.html?nn=479796