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An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar welcomes Belgian Prime Minister, Charles Michel, to Government Buildings in Dublin for a bilateral meeting today

Varadkar holds talks on Brexit & other major EU matters with Belgian PM in Dublin today

An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar welcomes Belgian Prime Minister, Charles Michel, to Government Buildings in Dublin for a bilateral meeting.

The two leaders will discuss major European matters including Brexit, the future of Europe and the upcoming EU Multi-Annual Financial Framework, as well as international issues.

They will also discuss the very close and positive bilateral relations between Ireland and Belgium.

Prior to the meeting Mr Michel will visit the border with Minister for Business, Enterprise & Innovation, Heather Humphreys at the old Ravensdale border crossing on the R132 'Dublin Road' on the Louth/Down border.

Speaking before his meeting with Prime Minister Michel, the Taoiseach said:

I look forward to welcoming the Belgian Prime Minister, Charles Michel to Dublin today. We meet regularly at the European Council in Brussels and it’s a particular pleasure to welcome him to Dublin for an in-depth discussion on the Brexit negotiations as we approach the June European Council.

We have a lot in common with Belgium. Our two nations have strong connections in terms of trade, culture and history. As nations, we are truly like-minded in our commitment to Europe. We adopt a similar approach on many EU issues, and the Prime Minister and I will explore how best to deepen cooperation.

Speaking in advance of her visit to the border with Mr Michel, Minister Humphreys said:

I am delighted to accompany Prime Minister Michel on his visit to Ravensdale. This visit will help to demonstrate the existing and potential impacts of Brexit and the unique circumstances on the island of Ireland from economic and social perspectives. It is important that we take every opportunity to deepen the understanding that the Irish border is not just about trade, it is also about people’s daily lives and about the peace on the island of Ireland that must be protected in all of its aspects.