Statement from the Tánaiste on meeting with French Foreign Minister Séjourné

Today, I met with Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné for a productive working lunch. We discussed France’s hosting of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, recent events in Europe, developments in Ukraine, and the situation in the Middle East including the necessity for a ceasefire in Gaza, as well as the evolving situation in Lebanon.

I congratulated Foreign Minister Séjourné on the spectacular Olympics Opening Ceremony, and the hosting of a Games which has seen the centre of Paris transformed into a sporting arena.

Ireland and France share a close and important bilateral relationship, founded on our strong cultural and historical ties. It is appropriate then, that Paris is hosting the Games for the first time in 100 years, and Ireland is celebrating 100 years of participating in the Olympics after our first athletes represented Ireland under a tricolor at the last Paris Games in 1924.

We also had the opportunity to discuss the necessity of a ceasefire in Gaza, to bring an end to the death and destruction we see daily. The responsibility of upholding international law is a duty we must take seriously, and includes the defence of the The International Criminal Court (ICC), The International Court of Justice (ICJ), and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

The most recent ICJ Advisory Opinion gives clear direction on steps that need to be taken. It is essential that the international community acts to end this catastrophe, and that the norms and rules of international law are upheld across all conflicts.

Our relationship with France only grows closer, and I discussed our increased trade connectivity with France following Brexit, with our weekly maritime links rising to 40 sailings per week.

The construction of the Celtic Interconnector is underway, the first of its kind between Ireland and continental Europe, linking Ireland and France and leading to increased energy cooperation. Our close relationship is outlined and supported by our Joint Plan of Action with France, which details cross-departmental cooperation between our two governments, and I hope to see this Plan renewed in 2025.

ENDS

Press Office

1 August 2024

The Ireland France Joint Plan of Action can be viewed here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/43650-ireland-france-joint-plan-of-action-2021-2025/