Today, Foreign Minister Sven Mikser participated in the 5th Euro-African Ministerial Conference on Migration and Development (the Rabat Process*) in Marrakech where he emphasised the importance of shared responsibility in migration issues and the need for long-term solutions.
“Migration is a global phenomenon and affects all of us one way or another, regardless of our geographical location. Estonia, being located in northern Europe, is well aware of the challenges and opportunities stemming from migration,” Mikser said. “We should look for solutions to the migration crisis together and share responsibility,” he said.
Mikser noted that solving migration issues was also a priority during the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the EU. “Estonia emphasised the need to tackle the root causes of migration, prevent illegal migration, fight human trafficking and smuggling of refugees, and stressed the importance of securing necessary funding to address these issues,” said Mikser. “Compared to 2015, the migration flow to Europe had decreased by a factor of six by the end of 2017,” he added.
Mikser pointed out that progress can only be made in close cooperation with partners in Africa. Thanks to joint efforts, Europe has overcome the immediate crisis in migration issues and Africa is able to control migration. “We have reached tangible results, but in the current stage it is important to focus on long-term and sustainable solutions, in particular for the root causes of migration,” Mikser said and added that the Rabat Process is a great platform to do this.
The Rabat Process provides a framework for the Euro-African Dialogue on migration and development. The process was founded in 2006. The Rabat Process brings together 27 African countries, 28 EU Member States, ECOWAS and the European Commission.
Additional information:
Sandra Kamilova
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Communication Department
56675362
[email protected]
