Minister Byrne meets with Italian and Holy See counterparts - 15 April 2025

The Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, today (Tuesday, 15, April) undertook a series of high-level engagements during an official visit to Rome, underscoring Ireland’s commitment to European co-operation and international peace and security.

Minister Byrne held a constructive bilateral meeting with his Italian counterpart, Minister for European Affairs, Tommaso Foti. The Ministers discussed shared priorities within the European Union, including transatlantic relations, competitiveness and the future of EU enlargement. They also reaffirmed the strong bilateral ties between Ireland and Italy, built on shared values and deep people-to-people connections.

In addition, Minister Byrne met with Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Secretary for Relations with States of the Holy See. Their wide-ranging discussion covered global situations of concern, including Russian aggression against Ukraine, the Middle East and Gaza. The Minister acknowledged the important role that the Holy See plays in international diplomacy and peacebuilding efforts.

Minister Byrne also visited the Operational Headquarters of Operation EUNAVFOR MED Irini, the EU naval mission aimed at enforcing the UN arms embargo on Libya, and in supporting peace and stability in the Mediterranean region. The Minister met with the Operational Commander, Rear Admiral Valentino Rinaldi, for a briefing on the mission’s progress and challenges.

Minister Byrne met with Irish Defence Forces personnel currently serving in the Operational Headquarters. He praised their professionalism and dedication, and reaffirmed Ireland’s continued support for EU-led security and defence operations under the Common Security and Defence Policy.

Minister Byrne said: “We are living in challenging times and in the midst of those challenges, it is so important that Ireland maintains and develops its relationships with our European partners. I very much welcomed the opportunity to meet my Italian counterpart, Minister Tommaso Foti, and exchange our views on many issues of common concern. My engagement with the Holy See Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Gallagher, provided an opportune moment to hear the perspective of the Holy See, on the many global issues we face.

“My engagements today reflect Ireland’s deep commitment to European cooperation, international peace, and the rules-based global order. I was particularly proud to see the exemplary service of our Defence Forces personnel, who are currently serving at the Operational Headquarters of Operation EUNAVFOR MED Irini. Their work is contributing to peace and security in the Mediterranean and I am deeply grateful for that work.”

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