Press release
Minister Byrne attends EU – Israel Association Council
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
Today, 3 October 2022, the Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, represented Ireland at the EU – Israel Association Council. The meeting focused on engagement between the EU and Israel across a range of issues and on the Middle East Peace Process.
Minister Byrne commented:
"The Irish Government supported holding an Association Council to discuss areas of co-operation between the EU and Israel and to allow us to raise our many concerns regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Ireland’s national statement expressed our alarm at the deteriorating situation on the ground and stressed the urgent need for renewed political dialogue. It called on Israel to comply with international law, halt settlement expansion, and ensure space for Palestinian civil society.
"The statement delivered by the EU also relayed our concerns on many issues and reiterated the EU’s longstanding commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace based on a negotiated two-State solution.
"It is important that we maintain ongoing channels of communication on this important issue."