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This morning, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney, T.D., met with US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland, Mick Mulvaney.

Following the meeting, the Minister said:

"I was very glad of the opportunity to meet with Special Envoy Mulvaney today. We discussed a number of important issues, including the welcome return to operation of the power-sharing institutions in Northern Ireland earlier this year, the important work that has now resumed on a North-South basis, and the challenges arising in the context of Covid-19 and of Brexit.

"I emphasised our real concern at the current approach of the UK Government and the vital importance of the full implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland, for the protection of the Good Friday Agreement and the achievements of the peace process. 

"Those achievements were made possible by the sustained engagement of successive US Administrations and Special Envoys, and friends of Ireland across the United States. I appreciate the deep personal commitment that Mick has shown in continuing these vital conversations and contacts which underpin this engagement.

"I look forward to my visit to Washington DC this week where I will continue these conversations with our friends in Congress and in the Administration. I am particularly looking forward to meeting Speaker Pelosi and Congressman Richie Neal, who are valued advocates for the protection of the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement."