Press release
Tánaiste Micheál Martin attending the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
On 23 January, Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin, will attend a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels.
The Council will consider and discuss the EU’s strategic response to a broad range of issues and recent events, including Russia’s continuing aggression against Ukraine, and developments in Iran, Ethiopia and Afghanistan amongst other matters. Ministers will also discuss the EU’s relationship with the Sahel and the coastal states of West Africa, and meet with the Palestinian Prime Minister, Mohammad Shtayyeh.
Speaking ahead of the discussion on Russian aggression against Ukraine, the Tánaiste said:
"The EU is committed to sustaining its response to Russia’s illegal, unjustifiable and morally reprehensible war against Ukraine. I welcome the opportunity to consider with other Foreign Ministers how best the EU can continue to support Ukraine in the face of Russia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine."
On the meeting with Prime Minister Shtayyeh, the Tánaiste said:
"Recent developments have once again demonstrated the critical need to make advances towards a two-state solution in the Middle East conflict. I look forward to our exchange with Prime Minister Shtayyeh. It will be an important opportunity to discuss the role that the EU can play, at a critical juncture."
On Ethiopia, the Tánaiste commented:
"Ireland strongly welcomes the agreement on a Permanent Cessation of Hostilities by the Government of Ethiopia and the TPLF, which marks an important step towards peace and reconciliation in Ethiopia and provides an opportunity to ensure humanitarian assistance reaches all those in need. Ireland, along with our EU partners, is ready to support the full implementation of the Peace Agreement, and to contribute to ensuring it leads to lasting peace for all Ethiopians."