Talks in Hannover
The transatlantic partners must stand shoulder to shoulder to address security issues, declared Chancellor Angela Merkel following her meeting with Presidents Obama and Hollande and the British and Italian Prime Ministers. The aim must be to prevent illegal migration. And to stabilise Libya.
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The mini summit focused on combating terrorism and the crises in Syria and Libya
Photo: Bundesregierung/Bergmann
Above all the factors causing people to leave their homes and become illegal migrants must be tackled, declared Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday, following a meeting with American President Barack Obama, French President François Hollande, British Prime Minister David Cameron and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi in Hannover. For this the EU-Turkey Agreement will have to be implemented with the help of the NATO mission in the Aegean. The United States of America is willing to help stem illegal migration.
Libya in the spotlight
With a view to the migration route from Libya to Italy, the Chancellor stressed that the European mission EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia, is working well. The USA would be prepared – if necessary – to accept some responsibility in this context.
Commenting on the situation in Libya, Angela Merkel said that the heads of state and government welcome the new unity government in the country. "We will do all we can together to strengthen this government and its support," said the Chancellor. Only then can we discuss with the new government how to clamp down on illegal migration, she added.
Security policy was the main item on the agenda of the top-level meeting
Photo: Bundesregierung/Güngör
The situation in Syria still gives grounds for concern. Political talks in Geneva must be continued in order to achieve a political solution in Syria. The Chancellor reported that the situation in Ukraine, and the fight against the IS terrorist organisation in Iraq and Syria had been discussed.
Last item on the itinerary for President Obama
Chancellor Angela Merkel invited the other heads of state and government to the mini summit at Herrenhausen Palace in Hannover. The talks lasted a good two hours.
Following Barack Obama’s arrival in Germany on Sunday, his itinerary on Monday too was packed. Chancellor Angela Merkel met the American President for bilateral talks on Sunday, and on Sunday evening they opened the Hannover Messe trade fair together, before the Chancellor hosted a dinner with German and American business representatives. On Monday morning, President Obama and Chancellor Angela Merkel toured the Hannover Messe. The subsequent mini summit meeting was the last item on the itinerary of the President, before he left Germany.