Xavier Bettel eager to forge good links with neighbouring countries

(ADW) A phone call from Berlin came in to the Luxembourg Prime Minister's office on Friday morning. Chancellor Angela Merkel congratulated Xavier Bettel on becoming the country's new Prime Minister.

In fact this was something the German Chancellor had already done in writing on Wednesday for the inauguration of the new government.

The two leaders had the opportunity to discuss the work ahead and both committed to work closely together at a European level.

Both of them feed on the desire to deepen the friendly relations between Germany and Luxembourg. Merkel also invited Bettel to Berlin at the beginning of January as part of bilateral meetings.

Bettel contacts his counterparts

Once sworn in, the new Prime Minister didn't waste any time in contacting his counterparts in neighbouring countries, as he sees it as important to meet with them first.

On Monday, during the state visit of the Belgian King and Queen to Luxembourg, Bettel met with Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo.

This was an informal meeting to prepare for the Benelux summit that takes place on December 12, where Bettel will also meet Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

And Luxembourg's new Prime Minister has already asked France's François Hollande for a meeting.

On December 19 and 20, Bettel will attend the European Council in Brussels for the first time.