Frendo urges EU-Islam 'engagement'

Foreign Minister Frendo has urged the EU not to hold back from engaging with Islamic faith-based societies.

Speaking during a two-day informal gathering of the EU's Foreign Ministers in Luxembourg, Dr Frendo argued that conducting exchanges with such societies was part of the general dialogue between religions and cultures.

He underlined the importance of retaining the Mediterranean and Middle East high on the EU's agenda.

The EU, he said, should seek to assist the economic development of the countries of the Mediterranean and the Middle East, strengthening the middle-classes and ensuring that countries support those in society living below the poverty line.

Dr Frendo said that in this way, the EU would be strengthening the civil state structures and ensuring that extremist organisations do not usurp the role of the state in providing services that are essential to those who need them.

Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselbourn, representing the EU presidency, said the debate showed the EU has a set of consistent policies and instruments for the countries of the Mediterranean and the Middle East. This has been the case for the past years.

Mr Asselbourn said the EU has been investing in the Mediterranean through its specific Meda programme which aimed to provide funds to the EU's Mediterranean partners.

Luxembourg's Foreign Minister reiterated the EU's commitment in promoting economic and political reforms in the Mediterranean.