The call covered the cooperation agreement between Luxembourg and Russia, but the Grand Duchy's premier also discussed the EU's concerns over Russian military presence on the border with Ukraine.
Bettel briefed Putin on discussions at the recent European Council on 16 December, and expressed concerns about the strengthening of military forces along the border with Ukraine, calling on the president to defuse tensions along the border.
The West again accused Russia of continued "escalation" on the border with Ukraine on Wednesday, and promised to display a united front in future dialogue with Moscow, which is expected to begin in January.
Bettel said they needed to prioritise diplomacy and dialogue, not only with regards to Ukraine, but also Belarus and more general security issues for the EU.
Russian military presence along the Ukrainian border also dominated discussions in Berlin, where Luxembourg's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean Asselborn met with his new German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock. The new minister underlined that the crisis may only be defused with open dialogue.
Asselborn also participated in a joint press conference where he expressed his trust in Baerbock's ability to carry out her role, saying "I have been in this job for a long time, and I am wholly convinced that (Baerbock) will serve as a very good foreign minister, particularly from a European point of view. Europe needs a Germany that believes in Europe, and (Baerbock) embodies this."
© MAEE
