The grand duchy and Russia established diplomatic relations in 1891. Diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union began in 1935 although they were disrupted by the Second World War.

“These historic ties, rich and profound, constitute a solid basis to build our future cooperation,” Bettel (DP) told Putin during the call, according to an official press release.

Bettel cited cooperation on climate change and green finance as ways for the countries to work together. “Luxembourg has become a leading international player in green, social and sustainable finance. As such, it can serve as the ideal interface for Russian entities seeking access to international green capital markets, respectively to channel investments into sustainable or socially responsible projects,” he said.

Other possible fields of mutual interest are innovation, the digital economy and space resources, according to the Luxembourg premier.

However, Bettel also called on Putin to facilitate the implementation of the Minsk Protocol, an agreement aiming to stop fighting in the Donbass region of Ukraine on the border with Russia. The PM also emphasised the importance of the rule of law.

The EU in February decided to impose further sanctions against Russian officials believed to be involved in the jailing of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. EU members in October 2020 had already agreed on targeted sanctions over Navalny’s poisoning.

During the same meeting, foreign ministers agreed on sanctions against Russia-backed Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko and other officials over the repression of protestors and fraudulent elections.