The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Eamon Gilmore, T.D. wrapped up his official visit to Russia today with the signing of an agreement on a programme for trade and economic cooperation between Ireland and Russia. This will involve a new level of engagement between Irish Government Departments and State Agencies with their Russian counterparts.
This was preceded by a meeting at which the Tánaiste and the Russia Foreign Minister also signed a partnership agreement in the context of EU/Russia cooperation and Russia’s forthcoming accession to the WTO.
Speaking afterwards, the Tánaiste commented:
"The agreements signed with our Russian partners provide a comprehensive platform for increased trade between the two countries. It is clear that that there is potential to increase exports from Ireland to Russia in key sectors such as education, agriculture, transport, energy, and information technology. By taking advantage of the opportunities that exist and playing to our strengths we can deliver the export-led growth needed to bring about recovery in Ireland’s economy".
Earlier today the Tánaiste met members of the Global Irish Network to discuss business and investment opportunities for Irish companies. He also addressed a business breakfast attended by representatives of indigenous Irish companies and their Russian counterparts. In his address the Tánaiste said:
"I am convinced that there are many opportunities for Russian companies to do business in Ireland in sectors such as ICT, energy and energy efficiency, aviation, engineering, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, food and drink industry, education and training, and research and development. There is also great scope to increase Russian investment in Ireland".
The full text of the Tánaiste’s remarks can be found on the DFA website at: http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=87274
The Tanaiste’s talks with his counterpart, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, covered a range of issues of international interest including developments in the Middle East and, in particular, areas of shared interest which arise in the context of Ireland’s upcoming chairmanship-in office of the OSCE in 2012. The Tánaiste said:
"This has been a very constructive and productive visit to Russia. It is also a timely visit as Ireland prepares to take over the helm of the OSCE in January. The contacts we have made with our Russian hosts, Ministers Lavrov and Okulov, will help to strengthen the relationship between our two countries to our mutual benefit".
At an event organised at the Irish Embassy in Moscow this evening, attended by members of the Irish community, Russian government officials and business and cultural contacts, the Tánaiste launched ‘Education in Ireland’, the new umbrella brand for marketing the Irish higher education and English language sectors to international students.