merrion street

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney T.D. will attend a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels today, Monday 13 December, along with his European counterparts.

Foreign Ministers will discuss a range of current foreign policy issues, including EU-Africa relations, relations with the countries of Central Asia, recent developments with regard to Ethiopia and Ukraine, as well as the ongoing situations in Belarus and Venezuela.

Foreign Ministers will also hold an informal exchange views with the Foreign Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani.

Speaking ahead of the discussion on EU-Africa relations, Minister Coveney said:

“This discussion on EU-Africa relations, taking place in advance of the 6th EU-African Union Summit in 2022, is a timely opportunity to pick up momentum on this partnership. Ireland is committed to a more ambitious and effective EU-Africa partnership and the EU must engage as early as possible with African partners to ensure a successful Summit, with outcomes that are owned by both sides.”

The Minister commented on Ethiopia:

“The ongoing crisis in Ethiopia is having a devastating impact on people across Ethiopia. Responding to the acute humanitarian crisis must remain our priority and unimpeded humanitarian access is a critical and urgent requirement. Ireland believes that proposals for additional collective financial and political measures to incentivise the parties towards a ceasefire and political dialogue should be considered, in close collaboration with key partners. Regional leaders have a vital role to play in promoting peace and we strongly support the efforts of African Union Envoy, former Nigerian President Obasanjo, and of President Kenyatta of Kenya to mediate a way forward.”

ENDS