Press release
Taoiseach Enda Kenny to meet Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in Madrid
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
The Taoiseach will travel to Madrid this morning to meet with Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy.
The visit is part of the Government's programme of intensified engagement with EU partners. The meeting with Prime Minister Rajoy is the first opportunity for the Taoiseach to have a detailed discussion on Brexit and other EU issues with his Spanish counterpart since the formation of the Spanish Government in October. The Taoiseach will use the opportunity to explain Ireland’s particular concerns and identify common interests before the Brexit negotiations begin.
The Taoiseach and Prime Minister Rajoy will also discuss the upcoming meeting of Heads of State and Government in Malta as part of the Bratislava process on the future direction of Europe and exchange views on the key issues facing the EU, including jobs, growth and investment, as well as migration and counter-terrorism.
The meeting will also provide the two leaders with the opportunity to review the excellent bilateral relations between Ireland and Spain, including increasing trade and the large tourist flows between the two countries
In addition to his discussions with PM Rajoy, the Taoiseach will meet with and address members of the Irish-Spanish business community, as well as visiting Primark’s flagship Spanish store on Madrid’s Gran Vía.
Speaking before his departure, the Taoiseach said:
‘We see our future very much at the heart of Europe and this view is supported by the vast majority of the Irish population. I look forward to exchanging views with Prime Minister Rajoy about the upcoming Brexit negotiations, in which Ireland will play a full and constructive role as part of the EU team."
Ends