§ Lord Brennanasked Her Majesty's Government:
What topics were discussed during the Euro-Mediterranean Ministerial meeting in Valencia on 22 to 23 April. [HL3954]
§ The Minister for Trade (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)My right honourable friends the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and the Minister for Europe represented the UK at the fifth Ministerial Conference of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership process in Valencia. The meeting took place against a backdrop of high tension in the region. In these circumstances the presence of representatives of Israel, the Palestinian Authority and most neighbouring states was in itself a significant achievement. Ministers discussed the Middle East peace process, noting their deep concern at the current situation, the serious threat it posed to regional security and the risk of a grave humanitarian crisis. The Foreign Secretary held bilateral discussions with the Foreign Ministers of Israel and Egypt and with Nabil Sha'ath of the Palestinian Authority.
34WAThe conference adopted, by consensus, an action plan including a number of initiatives to give renewed impetus to the Euro-Med Process. The Government particularly welcomes the action plan to promote an effective dialogue on culture and civilisation.
My right honourable friends took the opportunity of the Valencia Ministerial to have bilateral meetings. The Foreign Secretary discussed the situation in the Great Lakes region with his French and Belgian counterparts. The Minister for Europe discussed the state of play in the Cyprus negotiations with Foreign Minister Cassoulides.
They also had bilateral meetings with their Spanish conterparts in which they took forward discussions on Gibraltar. The Minister for Europe also discussed Gibraltar with his Spanish counterpart in Madrid on 18 April. Our objectives remain to preserve Gibraltar's way of life, establish greater self-government, deliver lasting practical benefits and a stronger economy, and secure a lasting agreement on sovereignty so that Gibraltarians can enjoy security for their way of life. Negotiations continue. Our aim remains, if possible, to reach agreement by the summer.