Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade will be present from February 24 to March 1 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to participate in the Thirteenth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization. This will also be an opportunity for Minister Lahbib Al-Hajja to visit Belgian companies operating in the region, and to conduct bilateral contacts with Emirati officials, especially about the situation in the region.
According to a statement issued by the Belgian Foreign Ministry in Brussels, “Every two years, the trade ministers of the 164 WTO member states meet to negotiate progress that will shape the future of the multilateral trading system. The ongoing reform of the WTO, which aims to reduce subsidies Harmful fisheries, and the smooth operation of e-commerce around the world, are high on the agenda.
  Hajja Lahbib, Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, said before her departure:
“At a time when multilateralism is under pressure and even questioned by some, I am determined, together with the European Commission and other EU Member States, to make the Thirteenth Ministerial Conference a success, to help ensure the resilience of the multilateral trading system in the years ahead, and to ensure that "The World Trade Organization is prepared to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century."

The main role of the Belgian presidency

The European Commission negotiates with partners in the World Trade Organization on behalf of the Union. With Belgium as the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, Belgium plays a major role in coordinating this mandate and ensuring that EU member states are adequately informed and coordinated in their dealings with third countries. To this end, the Minister has already convened an informal meeting of EU trade ministers in Brussels at the end of January, and will chair another meeting in Abu Dhabi on the eve of the opening of the Ministerial Meeting. The Minister will also exchange views with a delegation from the European Parliament, which will closely follow developments in Abu Dhabi.
At the Heart of Negotiations: The Key Challenges Facing the World Trade Organization
Although the WTO dispute settlement mechanism is still in limbo, the European Union - to which most WTO member states have joined - seeks to re-establish a comprehensive and effective dispute settlement system, including an appeals body. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade believes that “the best international agreement will be of little use if its obligations cannot be enforced when one of the signatories fails to respect them. It is important to resolve disputes quickly and structurally.”
Environmental issues will also be at the heart of discussions at the 13th Ministerial Conference, including negotiations for a second agreement on subsidies that contribute to overfishing. The Minister of Commerce will participate in two events focused on the environment and sustainability: the Alliance of Trade Ministers’ meeting on climate and a Ministerial Conversation on Trade and Sustainable Development.
As the World Trade Organization approaches its thirtieth anniversary, the Minister is convinced that the organization remains as relevant as ever. “The WTO is a vibrant organisation, as evidenced by the two new members. It will be a pleasure to attend the accession ceremonies of Comoros and East Timor, which will now be part of an organization that already represents more than 95% of the world’s population,” the Minister said.

Economic and bilateral communications

“As Minister of Foreign Trade, my presence in Abu Dhabi represents a valuable opportunity to establish relationships with our Belgian companies based there. Supporting Belgian innovation and expertise abroad, and listening to our Belgian entrepreneurs is not just a priority, but a necessity. Moreover, the UAE is an economic partner Belgium's flagship in the Middle East.
Finally, the conflict in the Middle East and the regional situation are also on the agenda of bilateral meetings with the UAE authorities.