Chairman of the Munich Security Conference (MSC) Wolfgang Ischinger addresses the closing session of the 56th MSC in Munich, Germany, Feb. 16, 2020. The 56th MSC closed on Sunday as attendees didn't share consensus on "Westlessness," the theme of this year's conference. The debates on "Westlessness," which refers to the loss of common standing of what it means to be part of the West, would likely continue. (Xinhua/Lu Yang)
MUNICH, Germany, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- The 56th Munich Security Conference (MSC) closed on Sunday as attendees didn't share consensus on "Westlessness," the theme of this year's conference.
The debates on "Westlessness," which refers to the loss of common standing of what it means to be part of the West, would likely continue.
In his closing remarks, MSC Chairman Wolfgang Ischinger said that there're differences of views among partners from the European Union (EU) and the United States, stressing that "if we don't listen to each other, we would have problems."
"I'm glad we managed to provoke a bit of debate (on "Westlessness"), some agree, some disagree," Ischinger said, hoping the discussion on optimism for peace and stability in Europe and beyond will move to a new phase.
The chairman also called on Germany to come up with a positive response to French President Emmanuel Macron who, in his speech to the MSC, called for a European strategy and more actions at the European level in the face of challenges.
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for crossing East-West differences and practicing multilateralism.
The Munich Security Conference was first held in 1963. Its original aim was to shore up commitments and help coordinate western defense policies. It has since grown to involved representatives from around the world and served as a platform for debates on global security issues.
