Press release
Tánaiste to attend Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin will attend the Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) tomorrow, 27 November, in Barcelona. The UfM is an inter-governmental organisation that promotes cooperation and dialogue in the Euro-Mediterranean region. The focus of this year’s forum is the conflict in Gaza. At the forum, the Tánaiste will deliver Ireland’s National Statement and will have a number of bilateral meetings with Foreign Ministers from the region as well as EU Member States.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, the Tánaiste said:
“I am looking forward to meeting with EU and regional partners at the forum of the Union for the Mediterranean tomorrow. This meeting presents an opportunity for EU and regional partners to discuss the terrible conflict in Gaza and consider a pathway to peace between Israelis and Palestinians. I welcome the truce that began on Friday which has so far seen the release of some hostages from Gaza, including 9-year-old Irish-Israeli citizen Emily Hand. The truce is facilitating access for desperately-needed humanitarian aid and supplies to civilians in Gaza who have been suffering immensely from the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe. Ireland has consistently called for a humanitarian ceasefire and I hope to see this truce extended and expanded.
“I have also been clear that there can be no military solution to this crisis. As we navigate one of the darkest moments in the region’s history, the international community must remain focused on finding a pathway to peace, to securing a two-State solution. Such efforts require meaningful, sustained dialogue between the EU, regional partners, and the parties to the conflict.”