The ongoing negotiations on the new EU Migration and Asylum Pact and the cooperation between Greece and Belgium in addressing the challenges of migration, were at the epicenter of the meeting between the Minister for Migration and Asylum Mr. Notis Mitarachi and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ms. Sophie Wilmes, who was accompanied by the Deputy Minister for Migration, Mr. Sammy Mahdi.
Mr Mitarachi and Ms Wilmes, who had previously visited Mavrovouni Camp in Lesvos, agreed that a new system should be put in place to replace the current one and both agreed on the need for a fair distribution of the migration burden through a fair deal on sharing. Greece and Belgium will remain committed to continue working together so as to achieve a fair, sustainable and common European solution to migration.
Both Ministers, noted the need to establish a strong European policy regarding beneficial partnerships with the countries of origin and transit of migrants, the so-called external dimension of migration, in which the role of the Foreign Ministries of EU member states is crucial.
Mr. Mitarachi also briefed the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Deputy Prime Minister of the Belgian Government on the recovery of control of the migration challenge by the Greek Government and highlighted the importance of continuing the beneficial cooperation that the two countries maintain at bilateral and European level.
