Further strengthening ties with North Rhine-Westphalia
Together with six of his ministers Minister-president Geert Bourgeois left for Dusseldorf for a joint session with the government of North Rhine-Westphalia on December 8th. During their first meeting in November 2014, Minister-president Geert Bourgeois and Minister-president Hannelore Kraft expressed their intention to further strengthening the ties between Flanders and North Rhine-Westphalia. The joint session of the governments is the outcome of this intent.
Eight topics were discussed with (labor) integration and radicalization as the most current ones. Just like in our country the Länder in Germany are responsible for employment and integration of the refugees. Additionally, a number of economic topics such as the Iron Rhine and the joint chemistry strategy followed. As well as dossiers on dual learning, the energy transition (energiewende), health and welfare and intelligent transportation systems.
Minister-president Hannelore Kraft said at the closing press conference: "We benefit from the exchange of knowledge with our neighbors. Both our countries are facing similar challenges in terms of dealing with refugees and integration, for instance in the labor market. "
Minister president Bourgeois agreed: "Today we strengthen the cooperation by broadening the Flemish chemical cluster to North Rhine-Westphalia, by bringing the Iron Rhine to the highest decision making level and by learning from each other's approach to the refugee crisis. “
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