Paris, 25 August 2023 (TDI): Slovenia’s Bled Strategic Forum is set to host Laurence Boone, the French Minister of State for Europe, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, on August 28th and 29th.
The forum serves as a platform for global leaders to engage in critical discussions surrounding international relations and policy-making.
Minister Boone’s participation is anticipated to bring forth significant insights, especially in the context of the European Union’s resilience to strategic shocks.
A pivotal moment of the forum will be the round table discussion where Minister Boone will delve into the topic of enhancing the EU’s decision-making capabilities and advocating for institutional reforms.
In light of recent challenges, the conversation will explore strategies to bolster the EU’s ability to navigate unforeseen strategic disruptions effectively.
During her visit, Boone will also hold a meeting with Marko Stucin, Slovenia’s State Secretary for European Affairs, where she will extend France’s solidarity following the severe flooding incident that affected Slovenia earlier this month.
France’s contribution to the European Civil Protection Mechanism in the form of vehicles and a team of 14 fire and rescue personnel from the Sécurité civile exemplifies the spirit of cooperation during times of crisis.
Furthermore, the French Minister will engage in conversations with key representatives from various countries attending the Strategic Forum.
Notable among them are Bujar Osmani, North Macedonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs; Megi Fino, Albania’s Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs; Elmedin Konaković, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mehmet Kemal Bozay, Turkey’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mariya Gabriel, Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Ivica Dačić, Serbia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
These discussions will encompass pressing European and security concerns, including the EU’s expansion to the Western Balkans and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Minister Boone’s conversations will emphasize France’s commitment to supporting the aspirations of Western Balkan countries for EU membership.
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A key point of emphasis will be the importance of swift and effective implementation of necessary reforms to facilitate their integration.
Lastly, a meeting with Miroslav Lajčák, the EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and Western Balkan regional matters, will underscore France’s active role in promoting European mediation efforts.
The discussions will also highlight the significance of advancing the normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo for the greater stability of the region.
In another engagement, Minister Boone will meet with Moldovan President Maia Sandu. The discussions will center on Moldova’s recent progress in implementing structural reforms and France’s unwavering support for the nation’s journey toward European Union.
