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Einars Semanis emphasised that the issues of demographic development and migration are of equal importance in all the regions. Therefore, it is vital that joint solutions be sought to economic and social problems caused by the soaring world population, migration flows and urbanisation. In view of the increasing migration flows into cities, Einars Semanis also indicated that cooperation between the EU and the ACP on ensuring affordable housing for all urban residents, involving small and medium-sized farms in urban food webs, and strengthening SMEs.

A considerable part of migrants being women, their economic empowerment should become a major aspect of the EU-Africa partnership, Ambassador Semanis emphasised.

The round table event organised by the Foreign Ministry is a part of the series of events held with the aim of summarising opinions on the framework for the EU-ACP cooperation after 2020, when the partnership agreement between both regions (Cotonou Agreement) expires. The agreement includes the areas such as development cooperation, political dialogue and trade.

Taking part in the discussion were internationally recognised experts on development cooperation, migration and demography, including the head of the Office of the International Organisation for Migration in Latvia, Ilmārs Mežs.