merrion street

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Simon Coveney TD, is in Brussels today to attend a meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers.

The EU Foreign Affairs Council will discuss Iraq, regional developments in the Middle East, EU-Africa relations and updating the Joint EU Strategy on Aid for Trade. Ministers will also have a working lunch with the Foreign Ministers of the G5 Sahel countries1, and EU High Representative Mogherini will host an informal breakfast for Foreign Ministers with the Prime Minister of Israel Binyamin Netanyahu.

Speaking in advance of the meeting, the Tánaiste said:

“At today’s meeting Foreign Ministers will discuss what more the EU can do to promote peaceful political solutions to the challenges facing the Middle East, as well as ensuring the protection of civilians during conflict and securing the delivery of humanitarian aid. Ireland remains committed to stability in the region, and supports efforts to de-escalate tensions in the interests of protecting civilians and securing lasting political settlements. The informal working breakfast will provide an opportunity for the EU to discuss its concerns about the Middle East Peace Process with Prime Minister Netanyahu.

I also look forward to meeting the Foreign Ministers of the G5 Sahel countries. Ireland supports the EU’s prioritisation of security and development issues across the Sahel region. Irish Defence Forces troops and civilian experts are contributing to peacekeeping and stabilisation efforts in Mali. I believe the root causes of violence in the region must be addressed through investment in poverty reduction, governance and human rights protection.

Ministers will also have a discussion on EU-Africa relations following the EU-Africa summit at the end of November. Ireland recognises the need for sustained and persistent engagement at a political level between the EU and Africa if we are to jointly solve the problems and challenges faced by both continents. I am pleased the Summit acknowledged the changing nature of the EU’s relationship with Africa.

Development Ministers will also adopt Council Conclusions on updating the joint EU Strategy on Aid for Trade. Ireland believes this will provide a good foundation for this area of development cooperation to assist in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”