Today we celebrate the international day of cultural diversity. Since the very start, cultural diversity has been at the core of the European project. Unity in diversity is the motto of our Union, because Europe has never been just one but many. It is thanks to our cultural diversity and our commitment to dialogue that for the last 60 years we have been able successfully to face new challenges and obstacles, to change and progress. The European Union has an enormous amount to offer to the world in terms of diversity of cultural expressions, thriving artistic creation and creative industry precisely because our cultures and languages have made of Europe a permanent laboratory of change and innovation. 

Today more than ever the European Union is committed to protecting and supporting cultural diversity, at home and throughout the world. The integration of a once war-torn continent cannot mean the unification of culture – on the contrary. This is why the European Union has developed strategies and programmes to ensure that unique cultures thrive and evolve in a globalised world. We have the Creative Europe Programme and its many strands, the MEDIA programme, the European Heritage Label, the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage and the Culture Programme also giving support to literary translation.

The EU also supports linguistic diversity with its multilingualism policy for all European citizens. The simple fact that Europe speaks many different languages is a powerful asset, it helps us to look at the world in multiple ways.  There are 54 cultural minorities in the EU, representing 105 million people, all protected by legislation, together with their languages.

The protection of cultural diversity is part of the European way to build a global order based on peace, the rule of law, freedom of expression, mutual understanding and respect for fundamental rights. Promoting diversity through international cultural relations is an important part of the EU’s role as a global actor. Diversity must not be feared, but embraced. That’s why today we celebrate cultural diversity.

They notably exchanged on the security situation in Mali and in the region, focusing on how to further cooperate jointly to better ensure security of Malians people, fight terrorism, and support Mali’s development.

They also discussed the upcoming G5 Sahel meeting in Mali. The HR/VP confirmed her participation and the EU strong support for this example of regional cooperation aimed at strengthening security in the Sahel.

Both sides also reviewed their cooperation in the framework of the Migration Partnership.

They underscored the importance of working together on better border management, fight against traffickers and support to address root causes of migration in a balanced way. They expressed their determination to take action to reduce the number of migrants losing their lives at sea and in the desert, and to fight smugglers and traffickers’ networks including with a regional perspective. 

Ils ont également discuté de la prochaine réunion des pays du G5 Sahel au Mali. La HR/VP a confirmé sa participation et réitéré le soutien constant de l’UE pour ce modèle de coopération régionale visant à renforcer la sécurité dans le Sahel.

La HR/VP et le Ministre ont également fait le point sur la coopération entre l’UE et le Mali dans le cadre du Partenariat pour la Migration.  Ils ont souligné l’importance de travailler conjointement pour améliorer la gestion des frontières, lutter contre les trafiquants, et, en amont, répondre aux causes de la migration de façon équilibrée. Ils ont exprimé leur détermination à agir pour réduire le nombre de migrants perdant la vie dans le désert ou en mer, et à combattre les réseaux de trafiquants, y compris dans une perspective régionale.

Violence is not a solution to Libya’s challenges. It can only  put at risk the ongoing work to find a peaceful and negotiated solution to the political and security crisis. 

All parties need to exercise restraint, cease all hostilities and avoid further escalation of violence for sake of all Libyans.

Further dialogue is essential between all parties in a spirit of reconciliation.